Just Leaves Dad BlaQueL Gabriello y Rodriga By BlaQueL flamenco, Latin, instrumental guitar {instrumentals 1 minute] Summer’s over, Back in school. Halloween was fun— I was the Walking Dead. But now it’s really cold yellow orange to red Most of the leaves are dead I slid through the neighbors yard And outta no where A pine cone hit me Square on top of my head Not just a bruise Bleeding some too Leaves all over, Even in the pool. Dad comes in, his workday done— Practically a zombie too. “Rake the leaves before you play, They’ll choke the grass if left that way. We need the yard all clean and neat, So grab the rake, move your feet.” “But if they stay,” I then replied, “Leaves feed the bugs that live outside. They’ll turn to dirt, into fine grounds, actually helping Mr. Squirrel Pretty much all year ’round.” “Learned this from Miss Dee, What she said Taught us all about earth’s food web— Leaves act like a quilt, A giant blanket, dying slow, So leave the leaves, Dad, No pointless work like your 9 to 5. No worry, they’re just leaves, no guilt. We are helping Both the animals And the roots to grow.” Basically Dad, keeping the other things alive! There was a bit of silence When he realized my rant was done I figured he’d just say Boy, that’s a good one. But he just sighed, Cause apart of him just died Then he softly said, “Fair enough. I’m just used to.. [all sounds in band silent few second pause] Used to the way things were When I was a kid. I wasn’t so sure You guys are! Of everything. Look, son, I’ll admit, I don’t know much of anything. You kids have tricks and tools We simply didn’t. You think I’m strict? Shoulda seen my dad. He rejected every idea I ever had. Didn’t take much to make that dude mad Alright, kid. Just rake a path A pathway Through over there. A tidy yard is all I care— But I like your thought Have wild spots too… Grab my gloves And that old splintery rake. Since you’ll be done soon anyway, I’ll work with you And see how long this takes.” [instrumental nearly 2 minutes of solos and jamming]
