A poor farmer and rich rancher had a very bitter dispute
Each claimed the same piece of land which the other did refute
This put them before the judge, who sent them to arbitration
But neither would budge, both preferring litigation
The farmer thought of nothing else all day, and at night he couldn’t sleep
The rancher snarled “cost what it may, this land I intend to keep”
Spending all the money he had, a cheap lawyer the farmer found
For my children, things are real bad, please help me keep this piece of ground
My children are small and sick and we have no where else to go
The rancher doesn’t need this land and his horses trample what I grow
Although poor, if His Honor would in favor of me decide
I’d make him a present of a bore, cow, or horse that he could ride
My God! the lawyer said, you have no idea of what you’re saying
In jail you will make your bed if the judge you’re thinking of paying
This judge is a strict, religious man, of a family old and respected
Not a blemish in his honesty since he began not a flaw detected
A moralist of the highest degree such a thing would offend his pride
And as you can see, this would give sure victory to the other side.
Finally, as time went by the day arrived for the verdict to be delivered
Looking the farmer in the eye, the judge’s voice never quivered
This land is yours he said and with this his lawyer scratched his head
Something’s strange in this verdict read, this case was too easily pled.
After picturing my child hungry and homeless without a shoe
The farmer said so mild, I did just what I told you I was going to do
Said the lawyer I’ll bet my diploma that in this ointment there’s a fly,
This has a bad aroma, I was certain this judge you couldn’t buy
The farmer said I too am surprised, This I have to confess
I was afraid that in giving him the gift disguised I’d made a terrible mess
I went to town sending the judge my only horse that wasn’t lame
He watched the lawyer frown then said “I sent it in the rancher’s name"
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Author:
sorenbarrett (
Offline) - Published: June 29th, 2025 03:19
- Comment from author about the poem: This is a reworked old poem. The story I stole from an old Brazilian song by Teddy Viera and Nelson Gomes
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 5
Offline)
Comments3
That was great.
Thanks so much for the read and comment it means a lot and is most appreciated
A greta narrative poem. Very well constructed and well written. A nice humourous ending as well.I really enjoyed reading.Masterful
Thank you so much David for the read and most generous words of encouragement they are cherished and appreciated
...when survival hangs in the balance, who truly owns justice—the letter of the law, or its human weight? Heavy hitting stuff Soren🕊️🙏🏻
Thanks Cryptic for the review and comment. I have come to think that there is no short term justice and that long term justice of karma nature works out in her own sweet time and way.
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