And Then…

Back when…

Hard times made the dawn dark,

brought early the suitcase and bedroll hitchers,

where a tied-on fry pan was best friend

for no-end journey,

through night-stops of warmin’ the beans,

frying the carp,

cozying up to a moss-covered log,

a down-on-your-luck pillow for the night.

Came a special two…

He expectant,

she embarrassed,

thumbin’ down a stranger,

a free ride out of nowhere,

throwin’ up gravel and dust,

dead leaves and road kill of the past,

their dreams just around the bend,

Work they did…

He pumped gas,

she clerked a 5 & Dime,

spent their money,

stole car after car,

found the perfect fit,

fast getaways were them.

Around the bend arrived…

Robbed a few banks,

but not forgetting history,

made them who they were,

stopped for another suitcase and bedroll drifter,

smiled at his plight and promised glory.

sped away with bullets whizzing past them,

black Fords with sirens blaring,

red lights flashing,

running board feds battling against

the girl’s 10-guage shotgun.

And then…