Within each leaf, the gas and water take
up power from the vigor of the sun
to spark a sweet reaction, as they make
the basic sustenance for everyone.
The chemistry is almost that profound
when I knead flour, milled from cereal,
with water, yeast and spices to compound
a loaf of carbohydrate miracle.
I’m certain, like a crocus in the spring,
as I take elements of earth and sky
to form a paste I fondle with my fist.
I let it rest and rise and then I bring
it to the oven’s heat. A plant am I,
that manufactures food of cloud and grist.