The Poetry of the Old West – Red Dead Redemption 2
time
button press, slow, winding animation
loot, unmount, take cover
your camp, surrounded by molasses, a slow-trot bubble
talk to Uncle, take Jack fishing
study deer
Valentine’s muddy streets a wonder, new store erected
howdy there, stranger
talk a while, take a ride, hold the speed, we’ve a ways to go
try the fuckin’ canned peaches
hate the city, smoke-stacked monster
help the poor
take an old flame to a show, cheer and boo
bathe your limbs with button presses
no happy ending, this ain’t grand theft auto
rob a coach, a bank, a lockbox or three
change your face and suit and hat
own a debt with fist and foot
hit a dog in the street and die because of it, ant nest stirred, the law unhinged
bounty hangs confused
find a bone, a card, a gun, dream catcher
stay for dinner, brother and sister
pigs
Dutch’s husky lies, his charismatic spell alive
just one more job, we need the cash, yet Arthur gives a thousand easy
are you having doubts, son – it’s love, don’t forget, raised rough
a mansion found, enough for now, our cave deepens the more we run
emptiness grows evermore
take time, time takes
celebrate tonight in bonfire light
Pinkertons harass, hunting dogs
fight flicking upwards, head-shot X, gattling-gun spray
wayward weapons, a-horse they rest, pistols and repeater give you bronze again
don’t check the list
exist, persist
one-legged soldier takes your aches upon the lake, a giant awaits
do you regret, Arthur
do you feel, Arthur
can you change, Arthur
is it death or loss of a good life you mourn
take more debt, dug out of dirt, worthless and scattered with ashes
hunt legendaries, stretch their skin and bones across your body
bivouac near bison, cook a meal
did she write you, Arthur
is it too late, Arthur
who can get out
quick, get out
you can get out, Arthur
or if not you, then who
?
