This is "Trust" from Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time, Lord of Chaos, Chapter 44
Concept and the first two stanzas by Robert Jordan
Give me your trust, said the Aes Sedai.
On my shoulders I support the sky.
Trust me to know and to do what is best,
And I will take care of the rest.
But trust is the color of a dark seed growing.
Trust is the color of a heart's blood flowing.
Trust is the color of a soul's last breath.
Trust is the color of death.
Give me your trust, said the queen on her throne,
for I must bear the burden all alone.
Trust me to lead and to judge and to rule,
and no man will think you a fool.
But trust is the sound of the grave-dog's bark.
Trust is the sound of betrayal in the dark.
Trust is the sound of a soul's last breath.
Trust is the sound of death.
Give me your trust, said the king on high,
I say who'll live and who will die,
Trust me to guide my kingdom true,
and each subject shall receive his due.
But trust is the smell of rot and blight.
Trust is the smell of fear at night.
Trust is the smell of soul's last breath.
Trust is the smell of death.
Give me your trust, said the lady and lord,
Your service to us is your reward.
Trust us to protect you all,
You will have no one should we fall.
But trust is the touch of sickness and grief
Trust is the touch of a sneaking thief.
Trust is the touch of a soul's last breath.
Trust is the touch of death.
Give me your trust said the love of your life,
For I will ease your toil and strife,
Trust me to love you in return
And when you're gone my heart will burn.
But trust is the taste of blood and ash,
Trust is the taste of the master's lash,
Trust is the taste of a soul's last breath.
Trust is the taste of death.