nothing begins

nothing begins and we may not return
this is no journey to be made in jest
the only thing that's asked is total best
step one inch out of line and you will burn
you get not one cent more than you can earn
and none of you are sure you'll pass the test
there is no time of ease nor any rest
and nothing new for anyone to learn
there are plain truths to tell under this sky
and many folk have learned them to their cost
but not so much is said about the price
each of the passing moments wet or dry
we have to understand is being lost
and all we know will vanish in a trice