Mulching

The wind is roaring in the trees.
Yellow leaves are fleeing.
They cower down
with reds already layered
on the ground. 

They paint together
a pretty picture in the grass.  
To rake them up too soon
is to dismiss
this accidental canvas meant for eyes;

not to mention the actual fact
we owe our lives
to the oxygen they provided
all summer long. 

I mulch leaves with my mower
once they fade
and leave them scattered piecemeal.

Leaves that rot
will do more good as food for plants and grass
than as trash
stashed at curbs for pickup
in plastic bags.