"That Time Before Winter"

It's that time before Winter and all through the yard
run pathways of petals all beautifully charred.
An assortment of heartwarming hues can be seen:
deep reds and bright yellows and shades in between.
How my innocent heart beats with hummingbird pleasure
at the sight of these wonderful bundles of treasure!
So I say to myself while my heart is a thumping,
"No time shall be wasted, these leaves are for jumping!"
To the largest collection of colors I race,
with laughter aplenty, the wind in my face
and the sun at my back, pushing me with its rays,
as I spring into Fall without looking both ways.
I land soft in the pile that the season provides,
as if leaping in laundry just recently dried,
and upon my resurfacing what should I see
but the base of what seems like a beanstalk to me.
I look up at the plant and think Jack would be proud
to descend such a towering tree from the clouds.
Though it's lacking its leaves, looking lonely and bare,
I just can't help but smile as I harmlessly stare
at what once was full green, so I shout out "hooray,"
giving thanks to the trees on this cool autumn day.
To you children at play, be your yards big or small,
Happy Leaf Leaping, friends, and to all a good Fall!