“Dueling Ovens”
I
Every sunrise,
she gets out of bed
to bake bread.
Studies and stirs
an oven that isn’t hers.
Sure to bubble and hum
along with a song that
sounds happy.
Walnut, banana, cinnamon-encrusted,
Served with a needy smile
In a house of strangers,
to the mouths of students
countries away from their mothers.
Suppressing their jovial judgment
just long enough for poppyseed,
warm with honey-ed hypocrisy.
II
On occasion,
he is awakened
by the bustle of bread-making.
Startles and sprays
a garage that isn’t his.
Sure to brace and hiss
out a shout that
sounds harmful.
Cherry nut, zucchini, pumpkin, and skunk.
Scent with a jealous force.
To those eyed-loaves
to those idle-lobes,
Going along with everything they read.
It’s context and doctrine!
Had they played together as babies,
Impressions could have been sweeter.
III
Most days, mornings in the kitchen
smell of sweet science.
Housemates wait for warm slices,
Slide butter and inhale
the reality of unpleasantries
living just under their noses.
