chasing leaves

i see the man

with his

loud leaf blower chasing

a handful

of red

and yellow leaves

down the street.

he has his earphones on,

oblivious

to the noise

to the neighbors

looking out their windows.

i go out

and hand him an old

rake

and a dustpan,

then tell him, shhhh.

please.

quiet.

this is a hospital zone.