In the Baker’s Employ

In the Baker’s Employ

September 04, 2024

I kneaded the dough with my hands

She reached from behind me

She needed my hands with her hands

She had my attention and wanted far more than attention

The two of us work in the bakery

Not another soul enters until 5 am

She reminds me of this simple fact

I set the dough to rise in a series of bowls

I now have 45 minutes of free time

She has stretched out upon my butcher’s block

I dusted her with just enough flour to prevent sticking

Sifted, not stirred

A baker glazes what needs glazing

Melted butter is my favorite

She preferred a drizzle of dark chocolate

I gave her both

Not at the same time

Not in the same place

She gave as good as she got

Rising with applied heat

Fully accepting of my whisk before caramelizing

In the end, I had a fully proofed product

Ready for a layer of butter, spread for taste

Could have been sold, enjoyed best alone