Kent R Dellaire

Billy the Kid: an American Epic Poem Kent R Dellaire

Many people have heard of Billy the Kid, an outlaw of the Old West. Surprisingly though, few people know the whole story. As the author, I'm hoping to change that by writing this epic poem. Although epic poems date back to Homer, mine may be the first to grow in American soil. The year was 1878. The place was the territory of New Mexico. Billy the Kid worked at the ranch of John Tunstall, a wealthy young man from England, who came here to seek his fortune. Before long, Tunstall wanted to control the economy of Lincoln County. But, a rival group, the House, already laid claims to the land and murdered him to stay in power. When the corrupt Sheriff failed to arrest anyone for the crime, all of Tunstall's employees swore to take revenge. These actions, plus murders many times over, brought about the Lincoln County War. Peace was restored by an amnesty, but only after President Hayes removed the incompetent Governor Axtell and replaced him with General Wallace. Sadly, Billy the Kid was excluded from the amnesty and was forced to fight on, against ever growing odds. Then, one night, he was hunted down and killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett. This story is based on actual historical events.