A Dark Sword

This is the world’s way,
Life brought out of dust
And tossed on the wind.

You all know it well.
The ones who hope most
To flee from it, too—

Those with the most faith
Are quick to say so,
Quick to say all’s dust,

And then just as quick
To add, but for God,
But for souls, for us.

The road back is blocked
By a guard’s bright sword.
You know what you know,

You can’t be that green.
But did the tree know?
Did the snake? Did God?

The wind blows all day.
Dust blows down the road.
The goad’s a dark sword.