The leaves are slowly turning from green to golden brown,

Soon it will be time for them to tumble down.

Floating like a butterflies they gently hit the ground.

They lie so still and silent,and never make a sound.

Berries too are falling, they tumble on the floor.

Hedgehogs start to gather for their winter store.

They scurry and they scamper, collecting all in sight,

Keeping it safe and sound for the long winter nights.

The leaves they slowly gather to make their winter nest.

Soon it will be time for their well earned rest.

They will close their eyes and dream of the happy times to come,

When once again they'll play in the warm summer sun.

But until then they'll slumber, unaware of all around,

Tucked up safe and warm in the leaves upon the ground. Dawn Couperthwaite, Raikes Road, Darcy Lever

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.