...grab it, punch it, knead it.  Pull it every which way.

Keep the Beat

Flour measured carefully
with salt, sugar, and yeast
like my many cautious days
preparing life's great feast.

Put in lard and water hot
like trouble on the way.
Then grab it, punch it, knead it.
Pull it every which way.

Make it work, make it worthy.
Then toss it in greased bowl.
Cover with towels of deceit.
And wait for it to scowl.

Bubbling up with angry air
it will complain galore.
Punch it down with disregard
and let it rise some more.

Then plop it in a greased pan
and shove it in the heat.
Let it bake and cry for help.
Blow your horn, keep the beat.

Copyright 2007 Jo Janoski, Poet Laureate of Pennsylvania™ 2007