On April 9, 2021 Prince Philip and Earl Simmons DMX died
by Ilka Scobie
One became a prince by marrying a queen
One rapped himself to King of the scene
“The first gentleman of the land”
Spawned a decaying monarchy
A Ruff Ryder hip hopped, locked up, heart stopped Phillip’s fame
was merely royal consort
Earl’s fame birthed a new name
One lived a long, luxurious decadent reign
One died too soon and blazed too much pain
Ilka Scobie is a native New Yorker who teaches poetry in the public school system. Her book “Any Island” was just published by Spuyten Duyvil Press. She writes for London Artlyst, American Book Review and LiveMag.