Leaf House

Before TV became our kid’s
Babysitter we played outside
Until dark forced us home,
We would lie on the rug on
Saturday morning and listen
To the radio cartoon shows using
Our imaginations to see.
Autumn leaves were our
Opportunity to make elaborate
Leaf houses in the back yard,
Changing doorways and walls
With a rake and losing the
House when the wind gusted.
My younger sibs and I spent
Hours playing leaf house and
Designing plans for rooms
And porches and whose
Bedroom was where.
Sweater weather gave us a
Chance to lay differently shaped
Leaves on a table, lay a piece of
Paper over them and use colored
Crayons to preserve their beauty
Over the winter on the icebox
Door or side a fall medallion.
I still like the autumn best of
All and smile when cooler winds
Blow leaves and autumn rains
Let us sit inside warm and
Comfy staring out the window
As nature pulls up a multi-
Colored blanket of leaves
And prepares for the long
Sleep of winter white.
Just as I am doing now
With my life.