I hold the leaf within my hand
And twirl it to and fro,
My mind does convolutions
Wondering what I know.

Not much, I softly whisper...
Such intricate design,
The mind of God I cannot tell
The depths of love divine.



But, this I see while twirling there
And gazing at the form,
The lacy pattern, veins unfurled
Crimped edge, so uniform.

Oh God, I love Your autumn leaf
You made for me to view,
I stroke its softness, can't I keep
This tiny part of You.



Why, do You let them fade away
Break down into the earth,
What is it You are telling me
About life, and death, and birth.

Our lives begin and grow like this
In color, each unique,
To bloom, then reach our peak
With so much more to seek.



This awesome life You made soon fades
We cannot grasp to keep,
This lovely earth is not for aye
But death, for life, we meet.

Yes, we shall rise, to live anew
No life in You is lost,
But, die we must, to find the life
You powered by the cross.