a seed dropped and buried in the soil

Before the fruit is ripened by the sun,

Before the petals or the leaves uncoil,

Before the first fine silken root is spun,

A seed is dropped and buried in the soil.

Before we gain the grace that comes through loss,

Before we live by more than bread and breath,

Before we lift with joy an empty cross,

We face with Christ the seed's renewing death.

                                                      -   Magnificat, February, 2013