The Coin & Both Sides

By Kingzs

"The Coin and Both Sides" is a deep dive into the human condition. Experience the complex dynamic between the narrator and their inner self through a collection of assorted dialogues. Together, they embark on a turbulent journey while striving towards inner peace. Through introspective prose and poetic elements, "The Coin and Both Sides" paints

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crown
• Release date: Mar 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9798218394561

Book preview

The Coin &

Both Sides

––––––––

Kingzs

To those who believed in me.

To those who know my story.

To the slow burns.

To myself.

In your very hands, you hold everything I am,

but not everything I will be.

Handle with care.

This is me.

I am the inner voice.

And this is us.

The Coin & Both Sides

Phases

Discourse & Dissonance

Growing Pains

Observance

You & I

Crashing

Forward

Scarper - A runaway

I’d rather not.

I’ll stay here, where that summer can last forever.

Discourse & Dissonance

Black & Blues

Can I sleep here?

No.

Is this pain everlasting?

Perhaps.

Pain can take many shapes and sizes.

Pain knows your name and caresses that false face.

Pain can be in your ribs or in the love that you give.

Stand at attention. This pain will keep you in check.

What hesitation? This pain will keep you in check.

Are you holding it close? This pain is here to help.

Did you do it again? This pain will be here to stay.

I’m only trying to help. Make this pain go away?

But this pain will keep you safe.

Go back? How would you, really?

Moe’s Introspection

Can I sleep here?

No.

I’ll find a way.

Will you really?

Think me a liar? I don't need any bedsheets.

You won’t get far.

I’ve planned for this long.

You’re going to get tired.

None of your concern. I’d honestly rather not.

A thousand times over, and you still do.

Can I not dream?

Just make sure it’s from this tower.

I’ll find a way.

So you’ll leave this place?

Long before my time’s final melody.

California Scarper

Can I sleep here?

No.

Drunk on the future again?

He said he’d be there.

It sounds like a gamble.

I still believe in him.

What if he ran while in pieces?

I’ll gather them and let each be a breadcrumb to paradise.

The edges will cut your feet.

Then I can show you that I still bleed red.

The sun may burn your skin.

Let this melanin be my safeguard.

That ocean is vast.

I’ve been lost before. I’d honestly rather not.

You know you always do.

This is difficult.

Can you recall when it wasn’t?

I know he’s waiting for me, for he is me.

But he was told never to wait for anyone.

Something he told him before.

Ephemeral Summer

Can I sleep here?

This place is now gray.

Lost in a fantasy?

This one was like no other.

You're heavier than you thought.

I never thought these memories would become baggage.

Never been so broken before?

I think my heart was lost to time.

Have you learned your lesson?

There was no other option.

Those wounds there run deep.

Maybe time could heal them.

Just keep those glasses off.

But my vision is sweeter with them on.

Do you remember that heat on your skin?

Why is such bliss now forbidden?

I thought magic was a myth.

You and I both. Maybe one day...

That place is now gray.

My efforts?

In vain.

My love?

Stagnant.

My fantasy?

Everlasting.

I’ll take what’s left and go on my own time.

Good luck.

Moe’s Introspection pt. 2

Can I sleep here?

This place is not safe.

I’ve never seen so many layers.

I can't help but stay bundled up.

Is this a lie?

No, it's don't ask, don't tell.

Also, don't show?

I still shadowdance after all this time.

Your moves have become stale.

I was never a good dancer.

They will see through your performance.

These curtains are made of paper anyway.

Is this a lie?

No, I hide to survive.

When will you live?

When this stage is no longer.

And if the curtains catch fire?

I’ll run like I’ve always done.

A scarper at heart.

There’s a place I can go.

Will you still run long after you’ve settled in?

There will be no need.

Sanctuaries are fleeting.

This one will be eternal.

We will see.

Lovelorned Paradise

Can I sleep here?

He’d never let you.

Feelings weighing you down?

They’ve nowhere to go.

Maybe one day...

That place is now gray.

Yet you still long.

How could I not, all things considered?

Just let me keep you safe.

Then I’d never love again.

You’d be invincible.

But I’m glass from the ground up.

I can change that.

I’d never let you.

You’re just like him.

The difference is night and day.

Do you think I am tumultuous?

You’re oftentimes a paragon of the opposition.

After him, are you armed and dangerous?

I’ll never hurt how I’ve been hurt before.

Will you ever try again?

All in due time.

An excuse to stay comfortable?

This palace wasn’t built to last.

So, is it safe here?

Yes, but quite lonely.

I can fix that.

Not as you are.

Sign of the Times

Can I sleep here?

This place is no longer.

Are you thinking about back then?

You were never like this.

Neither were you.

Maybe that's why it was easier.

We