Hidden deep beneath the ground

Strong, searching roots are found

Above her limbs will open wide

She knows her beauty cannot hide

Now in fragrant budding Spring

This shy, blushing bride will bring

From her sweetly surrendered blossom…

Dropped confetti on Earth’s bosom

Full laden now this lovely maid

In lazy Summer days will shade

Her fruits to ripen hanging there

Until we pluck her summer fare

Now in Autumn she will shed

A thousand million golden dead

They fall in heaps about our feet

Was there e’er a giving quite so sweet?

Now deep in Winter’s ice and snows

She dreams about her summer clothes

Then quietly trusting in God and his reasons

She surrenders herself to Life’s four seasons

—by Helen Lewis