Maple

Last week the Big Maple in the yard

dropped half its leaves

and I leapt out before gardener day

with rake in hand

to do that work lost on specialized man.

I strained and pulled

joined by one child

and then another

who “helped.”

Then I undid their help

and they were glad.

The children smiled

at their Darlin’ Dad.

I showed them the perfect pile

of detritus rough.

Standing, gaping,

to my nonpluss,

so I said “go!”

and in they rushed.

To jump

to tarry

to toss

to bury.

They undid my help

but I was glad.

Because the children smiled

at their Darlin’ Dad.