Did you learn
bread at Mary’s knee
Were you there
toddling and giggling
as flour was
watered and kneaded
leaven added
gluten formed
did she let you help
hands washed and dried
to play with dough
in time to learn
the whole rite
and to smell the bread
roasted on the stone
as the neighbors all
waited their turns
at the fire
flat breads
and braided
brown and rich
or fancy and white
for the Sabbath
or more flat than flat
for the holiday
did Mary offer bread
on holy days
that you had helped make
from the maker’s hands
blessed and broken
and shared
bread baking
learned at my grandmother’s side
I too would offer
if you will but have the baker
Doxos 