Hurrying boys
Rocketing down the driveway
Cutting through the morning chill.
Bookbags slapping against sturdy little backs
"Thumpa flap", "Thumpa flap".
Sneakers screech with sudden halt.
"The Bus!! The Bus !!"
Dutiful soldiers in their line
Raised faces for last kisses,
Arms out for last hugs.
Big bus sound
Rumbles up the street.
Determined boys
Raking piles yellow red orange.
Scritch scrape moves the rake, grows the pile.
Flumph! Leaves float through air
Critical eyes blue green survey the mound.
"Keep raking!" "Keep raking!"
Swoosh! back swoosh forth, and swoosh again.
"It is time."
Excited boys
Lineup run dive into the crunch!
October gold shines above.
Thoughtful boys,
Riding bumpity bump in the Hay Wagon
Considering the perfect pumpkin.
Through the patch they go.
Vines twist round muddy sneakers
"Not this." "Not that."
Strong boys holding up huge orange rounds.
Gathering treasure.
Proud geese honk support from the air.
Listening boys,
Heads close in huddle.
Hugging pigskin to their chests.
"Call the play Dad, call the play!"
Strong-armed passes spiraling the ball skyward.
Tackling one another with intensity
Oof! into the hard earth.
Levi jean knees stained with brown green.
The wind sings it's crisp approval.
