A History of Violence

There’s no forgiveness for an aging outlaw,
Even if he has given up his ways, 
For a known thief and murderer, 
Redemption can feel like disgrace… 

He gave up the drinking and the killing, 
He became a farmer and raised a family, 
And all because of the love for a woman, 
Who taught him in the ways of morality. 

But as destiny would have it, 
William lost his wife to disease, 
And though life became difficult, 
He still sought for internal peace. 

Then as his farm began to fail, 
William heard of an opportunity, 
To seek justice get the wrongdoers, 
This would give his children security. 

William sought out his old friend Ned, 
And with a third they went toward 
The faraway town of Big Whiskey, 
Seeking justice and collect a reward. 

But William caught fever during a storm, 
He was captured and beaten by the sheriff, 
And though he barely escaped, in his delirium- 
He saw his dear wife whom he still cherished. 

William was nursed back to life, 
Because there was a still a job to do, 
So William and the youngest partner, 
Took revenge and finally came through. 

But good old Ned had a change of heart, 
He went home distraught and disconcerted, 
But he was caught by the local sheriff, 
Old Ned was tortured and murdered. 

Upon hearing of his old’s friend death, 
William slowly turned and began to think, 
The old murderous thief had returned, 
His fury burned as he took a drink. 

Ned’s body was displayed by the saloon, 
An example to assassins put up on stage, 
And this infuriated William, 
Who then went on a murderous rampage… 

There’s no forgiveness for an aging outlaw, 
Even if he has given up his ways, 
For a known thief and murderer, 
Redemption can feel like disgrace.