One for Hunter

This goes out to the late, great, Hunter S. Thompson.

This one goes out to
the rambling, gambling madman
from Aspen- the late great
Hunter S. Thompson.
My drinking has landed me
in prison for a short stint.
To occupy my time,
I read and write,
it keeps my mind sharp
and the nursing homes at bay.
Also, a pen or a book in my
hand has the added benefit
of a signal to the other
inmates that I'm in my own
world, and I don't care to converse.

H.S.T's guerrilla approach to
writing, and his sharp gonzo wit
keep me laughing and thinking
on this carnival ride from hell.
And if I can laugh in prison,
I'm halfway home.
My mind will go where my
body can't.

Like Hunter, I'm a betting man,
and I always bet on the long shots.
So, I'm putting a bundle on
me to pull out of this s**t hole,
and do something with my life.
Ho ho ho, God Bless you Doctor.
And as my old man used to say,
"They can Kill us, but they
can't eat us."

Author's Note

Check out my you tube channel where I read this poem and others from my recent book, Seedy Town Blues Collected Poems.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5iBc3lNPrM

Reviews

[Betty Hermelee]

This is a very strong piece, with a tribute to
Hunter S Thompson; whom you must have had a positive relationship with…. Your powerful words about prison and writing and the will to keep yourself sane while others did not , is a great goal to have… writing, laughing, keeping your mind focused on the things you love to do will separate you from the rest…. For sure….
Warmly
B.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, Betty. I appreciate the read and comment.

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome!
Warmly, B

[keith]

'seedy town blues'

seedy side is where all the seeds are
your pen has better than good ink!

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you Keth, I appreciate the read and comment.

[Poetic Beauty]

I like the way you told this story within this poem. A strong mind can definitely take us places that our bodies can not go but allows us to escape harsh reality that surrounds us

[Thomas W Case]

Thanks for reading and commenting.

[keith]

oddly enough i mentioned gonzo in my latest
who would have thought such?
that's a question not comment HA!

i like the cadence of this write and the frankness ... 'i ain;t interested fukoff!' HA!
always enjoy sharp wit and sarcasism

[Thomas W Case]

Thanks for reading and commenting. I love Gonzo.

[John the Baptist]

Old Dr. Gonzo. That last phone call was a real b***h.

[Thomas W Case]

Yes, it was. Thanks for the read.

[Mauricio Montoya]

Ur talking about leaving Las Vegas, Hunter love the tribute, thank you for sharing.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you so much. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

[Mauricio Montoya]

yeah i forgot that one, lol

[Dave Brown]

For sure, the pen keeps the mind from deteriorating (as quickly) and fortunately, as you infer, cannibalism appears less and less acceptable as time goes on.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, Dave. I appreciate it.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

sometimes I wonder this...will my pen stave off the home?
Maybe I can keep pretending that there is nothing wrong with my mind.
love this...and the last two lines...and here I am watching the hearing on Biden and the documents.
People here are putting words in others' mouths...maybe they are all senile and just have no idea they are.
j.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you for the read and comment.

[emmajoygreen]

This poem has a subtle power of its own in having both dedication to another and self-possession in being true to yourself. Words to live by,

'So, I'm putting a bundle on
me to pull out of this s**t hole,
and do something with my life.
Ho ho ho, God Bless you Doctor.
And as my old man used to say,
"They can Kill us, but they
can't eat us."

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you for the read and comment.

[Neville]

Where there's a will, there's a way .. the same applies to hope too .. But where there's booze, there's often a hangover .. Here's hoping the grass is now greener for the pair of you .. Your dedication packs a wallop regardless .. Neville

[Thomas W Case]

Thanks, Brother. Life is good.