Bakers must master a variety of skills, not least among them is math, chemistry, and learning to trust their hands.

The dough will whisper when it’s ready, when the yeast is yeasting, and she’s ready for a nap.

Then, after a rest, the baker returns to fold and shape as the final preparation.

Any mistakes in the recipe, long concealed and hidden.

At last the moment arrives when the loaf is fetched from the oven, hot and crusty.

Ready to cool for the cuttin’.

And here, in the last of it, the baker implores their most holy of skills,

cause many breads are ruined by hungry stomachs, sick of waiting.