To leave the leaves or not to leave them?
That is Autumn’s question pending.
Whether ‘tis smarter to rake and leaf blower, into composting piles,
Or let them lie upon the grass to die, to decay more slowly while
They feed the soil and seeds below
And shelter invertebrates and Ralph the turtle
This is our dilemma to hurdle.
The grass may die but return in spring,
Along with cocoons growing beautiful wings
Both buried beneath the oak leaf sea.
Winds this sea will scatter
Producing more organic matter.
Is our compulsion to rake and blow
Social convention, or does it add safety? Do we know?
To slip upon the damp leaves, or worse, when they freeze;
Or let children plunge into the piles we leave?
Leaves in the woods do remain,
And neither trees nor people there complain.
