Version II

Flour milled
to foreign standards
caresses his fingers
despite his lack
of hands-on knowledge.

Proving taunts
his mind until
this magic process
claims his intellect.
Brioche poses problems

ultimately
solved with real panache.
The meaning of his being
translates into
perfect baguettes,

fine ciabattas, focaccia,
soda bread. The accountant
in him dies daily
as his hands form
the staff of life



Version I
Flour milled
to foreign standards
caresses his fingers
despite his lack
of hands-on knowledge.

Proving taunts
his mind until
this magic process
claims his intellect.
Brioche poses problems

ultimately
solved with real panache.
Making bread becomes
the purpose of life
itself. The meaning

of his being
translates into
perfect baguettes, fine
ciabattas, focaccia,
soda bread. The accountant

in him dies daily
as his hands form
the staff of life, bread
fashioned by his unskilled
hand. He is born again.