Ackee Soup

By Giggles Anderson

Life is tough. 

You’ve paid your dues
and you’ve learned a thing or two. 

On your own ever since
Queen squeezed you out.

Diamonds and coal. Silver and gold.
What is the cost of a King’s soul?

Got milk from who?
You took care of her.
Played her Ace. Had her back.
Time after time, pulling Jack,
after Jack, after Jack.

Please get off my Queen.

Wiping her tears. Consoling her fears.

Yeah Ma-
Everything gone be all right
In the morning.

Diamonds and coal. Silver and gold.
What is the cost of a King’s soul?

You love her like you love yourself.
No, you love her more.
Without She, there is no Me.
Well, that’s what you tell yourself.

She gets to be The Child.
Reaching for hugs. Trifling jitterbugs.

Never thinking.
Never thin.
King money is falling from the sky and
She’s picking up pennies in the locker room.

Dropping ‘em in her slot.

Diamonds and coal. Silver and gold.
What is the cost of a King’s soul?

Yeah, that’s how you got here.

Close your eyes, Make a wish,
Pennies in the slot. JACKPOT!
A KING is born.

So here we go again.
Of course, she’s sorry,
Never meant to hurt you.
Didn’t mean to make a mess.
blah, blah, blahzay, blah…

Diamonds and coal. Silver and gold.
What is the cost of a King’s soul?

You felt the ground shake.
No one rests when Mother Earth quakes.
No pain, no gain
Righteous soldier,
There’s no rest for the wicked.

You’ve heard this song
You’ve seen this dance.
Of course you’ll take Her back.
You’re a King.
This is Court.
The testimony is getting old.
The jury is bored with this foolishness.
And so are you.
It’s all behind you now.
But not really.

Wind whispers:
Wherever you go, there you are.
Moon cries:
Son. Sun.

A grain of sand marches on.
Without a battle,
Cry.

It’s a cold world. Button up.
It’s always been You and Old Girl.

Diamonds and coal. Silver and gold.
What is the cost of a King’s soul?

The world is about to find out.