Painting window frames

It is the
layer upon layer
that defends
the wooden core
from the elements
from all
nature hurls at it
scorching sun, driving rain
so it remains
protected and unchanged
unwithered by the
hand of Time

The layers
we place upon
ourselves
we must periodically
tear down

and expose
our core
to the elements of Life
its trials
its challenges
its experiences
so we
do not remain
wooden
protected and unchanged
but grow stronger
with Time's passage