I jolt awake! I’ll bake some bread
I’ll find the flour and rolling pins
But first, I must roll out of bed
“Parting is such sweet sorrow”

The first step: proof or feed the leaven
Till magic froth and foam increase
(This step recalls a pledge of heaven
“God’s Kingdom is like yeast”) (1)

Step two: combine, refine the dough
And add some sugar plus the flour
(As states the ancient parable
Itself, a leav’ning power)

And next you need to knead the dough
Press out your stress! til it’s elastic
With floured hands, push, fold and pull
(Be forceful, fierce, bombastic)

Now wait! allow the dough to rise
Within a greased and covered bowl
Until it’s nicely twice it’s size
(Life hidden makes it grow)

Release the gas: punch down, don’t tap
Then pan it for the second rise
And top with towel or plastic wrap
(If needed, shoo the flies)

Preheat your oven to the temp
And bake the loaf til handsome brown
Set out to cool with tempting scent
At last, bring friends around

These steps fulfilled, we’re prepped to feast
The basket passed, the grace is said
Our joy expands as Kingdom yeast

With fragrant peace

And love thick-sliced

Our starving souls are fed

*****

(1) Lk 13:21