I lurch awake with dreams of bread
The flour I’ve got, but sugar I’ll borrow
Must roll from bed ‘fore rolling dough
“Parting is such sweet sorrow”

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

Step two: combine, refine the dough
Add sugar, and perhaps more flour
Each step a sign of faith and hope
In sub-creation’s power

Next step: you’ll need to knead the dough
Press out your stress! till it’s elastic
With floury hands, push deep and pull
Be ruthless, fierce, bombastic

Now wait! allow the dough to rise
Within a greased and covered bowl
Until it’s nicely twice it’s size
Shy leaven makes it grow

You might next punch it down (not 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 prize till handsome brown
Then let it cool with tempting scent
At last, call friends around

These steps fulfilled, you’re prepped to feast
Before your eat, let grace be said
Your joy will rise like Kingdom yeast

With hearty love sliced thick…

Your famished hearts shall then be fully fed

*****

(1) Lk 13:21