On the Smell of Leaves

I gave my stamp of approval 
to the leaf
set her down
and moved on to the next

...I wish I could write the aroma
of a good fall leaf.

Better yet, if I could tell

the smell

of a hill

of freshly raked leaves.

Golden brown

earthen scent

fresh baked from each tree.

Rich, yet simple,

oak, yet maple,

hardy antique wooden smell

of childhood memories.

Full of life escaping

as they collectively breathe their last

sweet breath

to the ground below.

It's the bread of the season

that smooth

Grandfather autumn smell.