Veggie Dollars

I sailed a dream to Timbuktu
through seas of grimy ice
the harbor that awaited me
steamed warm as paradise

But standing on the quayside
a figure tall and stern
demanding cabbage for his dinner
or else my ship would burn

I had no gold to offer
nor spinach, kale or sprouts
only two peas in their pod
and a tin of sauerkraut

You drive a dreadful bargain
I told him with a grin
though you'll chew upon my soul
before I give you my last tin

I knew he was not bluffing
by the steel within his eyes
so I said let's share my meal
which took him by surprise

It may not have been a banquet
but its course was worldly wise
one pea for me, one pea for you
washed down with compromise