Whose Road? Poem by Terry Dawson

The elephants speak:

The thought occurs
You creeping curs
That you are much confused.
We hefty grey
Have this to say
This wayfare is all used
Now pray turn back
You mangy pack
In case you are misused!


The dogs speak:

Look in our eyes
You over size
You'll see we're not afraid
Now You return
Or you will learn
The price that must be paid
For we have claws
And crushing jaws
Should error here be made!


The soul of the road speaks:

There are two tracks,
One goes, one backs
Solution is at hand
Creatures of heft
Pass on the left
Follow the line of sand
And on the right
In broad daylight
Will pass the painted band.


The heart of the wilderness speaks:

The face of pride
Should not abide
Beneath these hallowed skies
Who feigns to tall
Will surely fall;
Follow the way of Wise -
Who chooses dare
When it is clear
There's chance for compromise?