My neighbour just laughs as she watches me raking,
For the leaves on my lawn came straight from her tree.
She offered to help, and \i was quite tempted,
But declined when I realised I owed her this fee.

For her tree gave me shade all through the summer,
And cooled off my lawn in the heat of the day.
My tag sale was broadcasted from one of it's branches,
And my kids had a place to climb and play.

Be grudge her this time (not to mention the blisters)?
Oh, no!, I consider it time well spent.
I can't own this tree - it belongs to my neighbour,
But by raking her leaves, at least I can rent.

Eileen Hession