king of the castle king of the castle

Today, I want to be king of the castle. The ruler of all the land, worshiped and praised by all the towns-folk and nearby villagers. I want to be the silver back gorilla, with many wives, that would feed me the ripest of all bananas in the jungle. I don’t want this to just be happening today either, I changed my mind, I want this shit to be true – truer than true – this should be real life - but it only has to be true for a the amount of time you absolutely need, I guess I should clarify. You know why I want this all of a sudden? Well it all came about when my ex-girl, appeared in my home town (where she does not live – and I have not seen her in 6 months or so) at my step-dads reunion band concert. Lemme break it down.

So, my step dads reunion concert was kind of a big deal, so me and me ma went out to the concert. As we be straight chillin at the bar, aside from the main seating area, stage left, or stage right. Which ever one, I spot a familiar striped blue and red t-shirt in the front row. Since I've never seen this shirt anywhere aside from in 2 different states and on anyone aside from one special lady, I decided that it must currently be on top of my Ex. However, why would she be in my home town, at this concert nonetheless. I decide to firmly assert my disbelief and throw this inevitable reality out of my brain.  

You know what they say though, moms will be moms. A while later my ma starts frantically patting my shoulder, like a toddler trying to get your attention. She says in an excited soft loud whisper, the loud whisper that no one is meant to hear, but everyone hears anyways, she’s really good at that one, “Jackson, Jackson, Jackson! Look look look! That’s her right?” I split second glance over at where my mother is pointing and reply certainly, “nope. Definitely not.” She patts more assertively this time, “look yeah it is! It's her!” I look over one more time with undertones of insincere discovery in my voice, “look at that, it is isn't it.” My mom says, “and she’s with her new boyfriend, who lives in Saint Louis.”

I am so flattered at this point. She has decided to show up with her new boyfriend who lives in my hometown to this concert, where my middle school teachers, family friends and relatives are. There was something about this perceived intrusion on my territory, and seemingly my pride or ego or whatever it is when your ex brings their new partner into your life. To be fair, this wasn't just a bump in at the local Shnucks or Piggly Wiggly - although the implications of being the king of the local Pig Wig would be comical. Anyways, I realize the potential for a miracle to take place, and to become the king of this castle. This is when I discover the concept, and with Nick in Italy, of “King of The Castle”.

This is when, the band calls me up to the stage to do a song with them, where I am the lead singer – and my voice is angelic by the way. It would sound like a thousand angels are speaking sweet nothings into your ear, and it would feel like the vibrations of a million kitten purrs, or like kittens kneading dough on you. I would be playing the guitar at the same time, obviously, I might even have a harmonica solo. My teeth would be 10 shades whiter, and my eyes blue-er than ever.  After the song, which would be “cake walk”. The crowd would give me and the band a standing ovation. Mr. John Higgins would get on the mic, and in his deep majestic voice announce to the audience, “Ladies and Gentlemen, that was Jackson! We all know him, I don't even have to say his last name! Lets give him another round of applause. Also, btw, he just got a job working as a NOLS instructor, and is making dreams come true all across the country. He’s doing exceptional, border line immaculate. Lets give him another round because he’s so awesome.”

King of the castle. That’s what I’m talking about. Literally, just the ultimate winner in the room.

Non of that actually happened, but, that's what got me started on the concept, I wanted that to happen so frick'n bad. I wanted to be king of the castle more than anything. ANYTHING! Instead, I just had to be a good son, and hang out with my awesome mom. Which I guess is king enough for me. 

Next time you unexpectedly see an ex, or are being challenged in life in any way at all, try and develop the concept. Just see how far you can be the ruler in the kingdom – even if just for a short while - specifically just for a short while. You can't be ruler forever.
Roll Tide 

-Jackson

PS. Wait.. Maybe you can be ruler the kingdom forever.. is that what Paulo Coelho meant in his book? I think that's more, conquer your own kingdom. I'm talking about the kingdom outside of your control.. For instance, the Piggly Wiggly.