Rich, yeasty, cozy, all-embracing,
the scent of fresh-baked bread
warms the kitchen,
drifts upstairs,
flows through the house,
seeps out open windows,
mingles with cool autumn air,
hitches a ride on the breeze,
while indoors, its warm hug
settles me.
I have worked for this moment,
measured flour, salt, sugar,
added yeast and scalding water,
kneaded plump dough
four minutes per loaf (I bake two),
press and fold,
press and fold,
a hefty eight-minute workout
for arms and hands and fingers.
Then comes the magic.
The dough rises, doubles in size
and bakes golden brown,
fresh and fragrant.
All is well with a loaf of bread
just out of the oven.
What’s better than its yeast-warm smell—
except for a bit of butter
on that first yummy bite.
– kh –
Nurture peace, cultivate kindness, and carry the calm.
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Text and photos © 2023 Karyn Henley. All rights reserved.