Whole Loaf

Combines roar sun beats the grain is gleaned and cleaned then ground now I see it here in this loaf a temptress beckoning warm and sweet. the seed I feel its planting the joy of spring rich black earth-mother enjoying its play sprouting feet to squeeze the soil between new toes pushing its head into warmth knowing the sun before seeing. farm tools tractor, plow disk, rake and harrow metal men. joy of those unseen who forged and shaped them all become one in the growing grain seed man tool, hands kneading love, oven-fragrant joy all are one. the substance in the loaf

--Dick Burdsal