The Autumn Cantilever

I wedged the sturdy stem of a dried maple leaf into a seam between two patio pavers, attempting to erect a quick pitched canopy. On paper, the three-point arch showed genuine architectural promise. I stepped beneath the amber curve and tapped the central rib with both hands to evaluate its load-bearing capacity. It held remarkably well—until a stray breeze applied lateral shear, causing the brittle leaf to buckle with an audible crunch. Now I am standing beneath half a roof and a dusting of dry flakes. Note to future site reports: autumn foliage makes for lovely ground cover, but distinctly substandard roofing material. #LEGO