I just finished reading The Collected Works of Billy the Kid: Left Handed Poems (1970) by Michael Ondaatje. It is a combination of poetry and prose poetry; it’s often referred to as a novel in verse.

Most of it is written from the fictional perspective of Billy the Kid. Some sections are written from the perspective of other people in his life (historical figures like the Chisums, Paulita Maxwell, and others).

This was a very interesting and refreshing read. The writing varied in form, and I found all of it compelling and sometimes sublime. I’ve long been interested in Old West outlaws, including Billy the Kid, and found this very satisfying…both as an insight into Billy’s life (albeit as imagined fictionally) and as well-crafted poetry.

His legend a jungle sleep