Booth Poem

[Dave Taylor]

Here's a poem that I wrote a couple years back for a creative writing project in college.  It’s entitled “The Last Entry of John Wilkes Booth” and it takes place during Booth’s final moments in the Garrett’s barn.  I currently have it printed on the back of a souvenir wanted poster that I burned the edges of and then laminated.

The Last Entry of John Wilkes Booth
By Dave Taylor

The time has finally come for me.
The soldiers and dogs surround.
For twelve tiresome days I eluded them,
But alas, now I am found.

My countrymen have scorned me.
They’ve denounced my very act.
When once they had endorsed it,
Their opinions they retract.

People speak of Lincoln now,
As a martyr of the peace.
Yet those same people once cursed his name,
But now the critics cease.

He was a tyrant, let it be known,
And he destroyed our honored lands.
He pitted brother against brother.
The blood is on his hands.

I did not act for fame or glory.
I did not act from hate.
His punishment came to me from God,
And man must fill his fate.

History will clear my name.
It will understand my course.
As Brutus did to save his state,
We act without remorse.

They’ve lit the barn a fire now,
And the blaze my singe my page.
But to he who finds this, notice please,
It was written not in rage.

I am not a man of hatred.
I am not a man insane.
I acted for my country,
And freely took its pain.

My body is so weary now,
And broken from this chase.
Whatever fate befall me,
I shall not feel disgraced.

J.W.B.

[Randal]

Very good Dave!

[Rob Wick]

Dave, that is a cracker-jack job! Excellent!

[Dave Taylor]

Thank you all for the complements.  I was just looking through my stuff and realized that this group wouldn't be fazed by my choice of theme. 

Also, Laurie, I think I got an 'A' on the project and my professor noted that I was good at, "portraying such an interesting character."

[Roger Norton]

I agree with the others, and as a (now retired) teacher, I would give this an "A."  I think it captures the essence of Booth's mindset very well.  Kudos, Dave.

[Conspirator9]

A+!!!!

[Dave Taylor]

Why thank you Lindsey.  If I can find the time, maybe I'll whip together a poem on Herold for you.  Of course, until you write a book on him I'll have less sourcework to pull inspiration from  .

[Conspirator9]

That would be lovely then I can frame it and put it with all of my other assassination stuff....and make my parents roll their eyes all the more at all my stuff!!    I don't know how much inspiration you would get since I don't have much time to start research yet but considering we seem to agree on him, that would work.

[historynut1123]

I wrote a poem for him back in June, but it's kind of cheesy.   It's titled "In Affectionate Memory of a 19th Century Outlaw." and on my LiveJournal page, along with a poem for my son. Julie needs to get a life, eh.

[Conspirator9]

We all need lives but I'm content with being a Boothie for now...I just hope whoever I marry understands!

[historynut1123]

We all need lives but I'm content with being a Boothie for now...I just hope whoever I marry understands!

Make it a requirement!  

My other half always knew I liked history and reading, but he grumps about it. "why do you have your nose in a book (or Internet) all the time?"

By the way, wonderful poem, Dave! It really does makes me feel sorry for him, and that says a lot.

[Dave Taylor]

Why don't you post your poem here as well.  I'd love to read it.

[Conspirator9]

I would tell your better half "well you can always sleep on the couch..." hehehe you can tell I'm not married lol.  I don't know how I'll make it a requirement how many eligible Boothies are there out there.

And yes if anyone has some literary or artistic work we should all share!

[Dave Taylor]

If you ever come to Illinois Lindsey, look me up.   

[Conspirator9]

Here's a thought DAVY if you're ever in DC you know for the Surratt conference aka the Mecca for Boothies you can look ME up! Can't miss me ill have an I love David Herold shirt on...TOTALLY kidding..but come to the conference!