"A leaf" [dotty ditty]

When a leaf had been said to have fallen
& no one were said to have heard it
philosophy (pensive & sullen)
expired   & logic interred it

when a leaf had been said to have dropped
& somebody secretly saw it
philosophy's exit quick-stopped
but no one were there who could draw it!

when a leaf to the ground slowly drifted
& everyone saw it at once
the sands of the ages re-sifted
"I'm dumb!" (cried the mute) "but no dunce!"

when down came a leaf in the breeze
philosophers pulled at their beards
quoth one "if the moon is green cheese
the green of the leaf seems less weird"