East of Eden

Two sons brought their offerings
Laid them on the ground
One was met with favor
One was turned around

Jealousy came burning
Hot behind the eyes
At the door, a warning
Told him, turn aside

Tell me where your brother is
The ground cries out his name
You were warned beside the doorway
And you hurt him just the same
East of Eden
You are marked now
So no other hand repeats
No one gets to take your life
You will answer what you did

Want was crouched and waiting
Hungry at the door
He could rule it, he could leave it
He could walk away once more

But the field was closer
Anger knew his name
Now the quiet brother
Will not speak again

Grief is in the question
Mercy in the mark
He is sent out eastward
Far from field and farm
Not a pardon, not a hunting
He may live, and wonder why

East of Eden
Marked and living
Grief and mercy, side by side