the baker

it's less
about the kneading of dough,
the rolling
and cutting
into stars
and flowers, it's not
about the baking,
the rising,
the sweets of it all,
the icing.
it's beyond that now,
beyond
the pleasure of smiles
as they bite
into each new pastry,
nodding yes.
it's something else. it's
a way of life,
a way of living
without being told to stay
or go home.