Benicia Love Poem: ENVELOPE OF LOVE

ENVELOPE OF LOVE by Kathy Bond

Fresh from hunting and foraging,
don an apron and stir up pastry.
Roll half out and into a pie pan.
Pour boiling water over peaches
sitting in a bowl.

Slice plump, dotted strawberries.
Chop lime green and burgundy rhubarb stalks.
Into the medley add golden peaches,
blood red-centered, with a mushy pulp.
Stir in flour and sugar with a wooden spoon.
Sprinkle cinnamon, dot with butter.
Roll a top, your elbows winged.
Wield the red-handled maple firmly.
Fold into quarters, slice twice. Unfold
and cover the glass dish. Tamp the edges
with fork tines. Slide into a hot
oven that receives it greedily.

Return in thirty. Your senses tell you when.
Steam spirals, summoning. Honey-
hued juices escape. Cool the golden-crusted
envelope or burn for it. Wait. Spices marry
on tongue and rosebud lips, warming inwardly.