The Highwayman and the Gallows - From Broetry

I stand upon the wooden gallows

noose around my neck, soon dead.

I dove in deep; avoiding shallows,

and now I see I've made my bed.

Standing here do I regret,

the evil that I've said and done?

Only that which I've beget,

Standing there below; my son.

A highwayman, I robbed for him.

I murdered, stole and took with need.

And though my soul is stained with sin,

For him I did each evil deed.

And as they ask for final words,

I see his face, ashamed of me.

Though this may seem quite absurd,

it pleases me to see.

For every life I took away,

and every dime I stole,

I did it knowing that one day,

he'd see my action's toll.

For after my short drop to fate,

and while through hell I wade.

I know the life I did create,

Will see the price I paid.

He'll grow up strong, with me to hate,

my actions with he'll disagree.

Ner' a gun will be his mate.

My boy will live, but not like me.

So drop the trap and take my life,

for I am unafraid!

I fed my boy and fed my wife,

This is the bed I've made.

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