lent: preparation

You shall ask
what good are dead leaves
and I will tell you
they nourish the sore earth.
You shall ask what reason is there for winter
and I will tell you
to bring about new leaves.
You shall ask
why are the leaves so green
and I will tell you
because they are rich with life.
You shall ask why must summer end
and I will tell you
so that the leaves can die.

-Nancy Wood