Across the silver screen, he rode
a man hell bent for leather.
The idol of generations young and old,
a broad shouldered man with raunchy face
who always fought the good fight.
For fifty years, he rode the screen trail,
but now he’s gone, his name will remain,
as there was only one John Wayne.

13 June 1979

Author’s note:
I wrote this tribute to John Wayne who died on the 12th June 1979. Whom for half a century gave enjoyment to millions. Yes, I was a fan as well.

David Harris

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/early-works-big-john/