HUNGRY  HANK  AND  THE  HUNTER
 
 
 

Down in Louisiana, 'Long the muddy Bayou bank
Lived a Mean ole' alligator, Who was known as 'Hungry Hank'.
 

The Cajuns named him proper, And they surely named him right
" Don't get too close to Hungry Hank - He's got an appetite ! "
 

All the Parish folks were leary, To go fishin' anymore
Because that alligator, They had seen him eat before.
 

But one day came a fella, Moved into the Campbell Place
- Was an alligator hunter, He wore scars across his face.
 

I reckon he had heard about 'Ole Hanks' mean reputation
And he had come to kill him, Rid us of that aggravation.
 

Now at this time in history, A 'twern't no gator laws
So any one could take a shot a Hungry Hanks' big jaws.
 

 The Parish folks would gather, Ever' day to watch this man
And ever' body laughin', Poking fun at Hunter's plan.
 

 But he had his own methods, And had never lost a fight
Was hard to tell the meaner, For they both were sure a sight !
 

The Hunter, he was mighty, And his name was 'Bob Boudreaux'
He'd brought along his Gator traps, 'Tis sad he didn't know.
 

Hungry Hank was anything but easy now to kill
And we felt sorry for ole' Boudreaux, Becoz' Hank would get his fill.
 

Well on the day it happened, That ole' gator lay asleep
So here come that big hunter, 'Cross that Bayou he would creep.
 

Now Hank began to waken, And he roared from scale to scale
He was a hungry Gator, Measured 20, head to tail.
 

He saw the mighty hunter as he stepped upon 'his' bank
His jaws were wide and open, Time to feed ole' Hungry Hank !
 

Bob Boudreaux he was ready as he slowly took his aim
But Hank was having none of it, This man was his to claim.
 

The trigger when he pulled it, Would back-fire upon the man
He slipped and fell upon the bank, That's when the fight began !
 

We watched them in the Bayou as the two began to roll
Then we bowed our heads and said ' God Bless this poor man's soul.'
 

The gator had a hold a'him, We stared in disbelief
For Boudreaux wasn't lettin' go, When Hank, he showed his teeth
 

Hank took him 'neath the water, It was black as any night
And we were pretty sure of it, That gator took a bite !
 

We figured Hank had buried him, We'd hold the service there
Poor Boudreaux, we just knew we'd not find him anywhere !
 

But when we got done prayin', Heard that Hunter gasp and cough
He jumped out of the water, He had cut Hank's tail plum off !
 

I never will forget the day, And Bob Boudreaux we thank
'Coz we can all go fishin', Since he killed ole' Hungry Hank.
 

Now to this day if you should e'er, Decide to pay a call
We'll show you what is left of Hank, Who stood at 20 tall.
 

We keep him near the Bayou, 'Cept no gator bait for sale

You'll see a little sign that reads: " 'Tis all that's left.....this tail."
 
 

Author/Poem Written By:
Tammy Boatman-Young
2002