Prodigal One

Prodigal One

© 2022 Jeff Jackson

When I was the prodigal one

I thought I was the favored son

Demanding what’s mine

when he’s dead & gone

Instant gratification

Took it all and started to run

Made fast friends with everyone

Behind me with every

beat of my drum

When I was the prodigal one

Oh no, crash and burn now

Here I am, eating slop with a sow

Oh no, what have I done?

I’m circling the drain…

Another prodigal one

When I was the prodigal one

Burned every bridge,

left with no one

Staring at the

hollow end of the gun

Pain in my chest weighs

a goddamn ton

Guess I’ll go back,

admit what I’ve done

Work to the bone out in the sun

Never reclaim the moniker “son”

‘Cause I am the prodigal one

Oh no, crash and burn now

On my knees, hands on my brow

Oh no, what have I done?

I’m circling the drain…

Another prodigal one

Rounding the corner

I see you running

I bet you’ve got a speech

But I see you crying

And your arms are open

You wrap me up in each

Thought I was the prodigal one

Wasting my gifts just for fun

Gobbled it down

to the very last crumb

Didn’t leave anything…for anyone

But you are the prodigal one

Extravagant, wasteful love

Infinite compassion

For everyone who tries to run

You are the prodigal one