The leaves they do fall from the east to the west,
To rake all of them is surely a test.
From the north to the south then they do come,
Pushing my patience and leaving me numb.
Each day I do rake them, and the reason is why:
If I put down my rake, they’d be ten feet high.
There’s a sigh of relief when I think they’re all gone,
But then I see Mr. Oak with all his clothes on.
What say you, Mr. Oak, other leaves are all down,
Must I climb high in your branches and rake them all down?
What is your answer, slow Mr. Oak,
Is my presence before you only a joke?
You stand there so tall, strong and so steady.
Do you laugh at me saying, “I’ll shed when I’m ready.”
But then through the wind I heard his reply,
“Don’t be angry with me and here is the reason why.”
God has ordained this way it should be.
I just follow His instruction like any good tree.”
So, I’ll sit on my lawn chair and patiently wait
And question no more why Mr. Oak is so late.
By George Smith, Rochester
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