Bargain of the Soul

I wonder what the devil would take

If I finally laid my soul on her table

I hear she takes two for every one.

What could Maker have stuffed in me

That she would possibly want in turn?

Death? Defeated! We all die anyway

She dare not threaten me with death.

Afterlife? What comes when the breathing stops?

They say the Almighty give everlasting peace

And the devil? What does she give

Would she still burn me in her hell?

Even after we did business together

How spitefully treacherous of her

I wonder what she could want.

I just want to give Chisammonda the life it needs

But I keep hearing to play the game of patience

I have also gambled my own freedom for a fine

Putting the happiness of mine on the odd line.

Dear depression did abandon me for worse

Wish I could only sleep, but that too I can’t find

Even the bottles, blunts, and pills became unkind

I have worshiped the Almighty from my dawn

Mother has believed, and father has trusted

Yet His sky just keeps laughing down at them

His birds keep mocking me with their tunes.

Is He trying to confuse or convince me?

I only hope I don’t mess up His plan for me

I also wish He doesn’t let me mess up His plans.

I dream. I hope. I trust in God’s grand blessing

Then I hear devil hands out fortunes like candy

I see unbelievers wallowing in affluence

People who turned their faces from Him

Sleeping like babies and dining as kings.

What did she possibly take from them?

Yet they walk in comfort that don’t seem to hurt.

I only want Chisammonda to sleep on a softer bed

To eat when they want, and ward off sicknesses.

I want them to not worry about a thing or two

Nor have any man or woman trouble them too.

I want them to have what they have lacked

And their kids to never lack what they want

I wonder if it’s too much to ask of God or devil.

I have come a long way from where I began

Barely moved by the gimmicks around.

Even though the road’s never been smooth

I won’t lie, there are folks I look better than.

And I have done my best to keep smile found

Knowing the universe shall soon find its truth

Then agony be punished, and the soul live right.

We believe in You to acknowledge our long dues

Especially our entire faith paid by Your saving Son

Trusting You to make Your face shine upon us.

It is only right You be gracious unto us

And lift up Your countenance upon us

And give us peace and joy.

Amen!

—