Why, Lord?

Why does a tree lose it leaves when WINTER begins? To feel the cold breath of wind or to show its strength?   At a time when leaves seem most needed to cover and to warm Behold the wind strips them away to cover the ground. Only to be raked and burned thus helping no one. But could it be that they are given to cover the ground? but humans, unknowingly, whisk them away, not allowing the fulfillment of their purpose.   Why Lord Do you allow the leaves to go so that the tree may know There is growth within? And soon to wondering eyes, behold the leaves appear again, only to mystify us.   They look so barren and thin that we begin to say leaves "appear". The leaves waft so slowly as the wind blows carefree Why Lord?   I see men as trees walking the blind man once declared. When age approached and man grows weak the warm touches and support is gone And they stand stripped of pleasure, desire and fulfillment Why, Lord?   To bear winter's brunt And know that as the children came from within There is new power, and energy being released to bring fulfillment again.   Thank you, Lord.