Within the leaf, the gas and water take
their measure of 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 mix flour, milled from cereal,
with water, yeast and spices to compound
a loaf of carbohydrate miracle.

I’m yielding as a maple in the spring
as I take elements of earth and sky
to form a paste I fondle with my fist,
and let it rest and rise until I bring
it to the oven’s heat. A plant am I,
who manufactures food of cloud and grist.