You shall ask

What good are the 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, Life Prayers