Leaves and Laundry

The task rolls around again;
Like laundry, I see no end
To disposing of leaves. What action will I take?
This year how many rakes will I break?

It seems there are as many leaves in the trees
As there are on the ground swirling around my knees.
It's clearly too early to start this task,
But when I do, should I wear a mask?

Raking them is slow and sweaty;
Some of the bags get kinda hefty;
But it's peaceful and I can listen to tunes
As the yard fills up with leafy dunes.

Blowing them makes too much noise;
Louder than a bus full of rowdy boys!
The wind is always such a tease,
Fighting the blower and making me sneeze.

Mowing might work if that's what I do,
And it whittles the hours down to two.
The trick is getting the mower to start.
For all that headache I don't have the heart.

What will I do - mow, blow or rake?
To pretend I care marks me a fake.
I'll greet the fun each day might bring,
And deal with the yard full of leaves next spring.