Sustenance, body of Earth

I behold this scrap of bread.
By Carol Bindel
Fall 2014 8.15.14

In my cupped hands full of reverence
	        I behold this scrap of bread.

One day I walked in air and sun so fine
I imagined my ancient bones could float
with early leaves and birdsong in the breezy
atmospheric stream of hours, skimming
tiptoe among rocks, onto rich ground,
	                                   tilled
	                    then planted,
then time-and-weather-nurtured
until grain heads formed and turned
ripe. Harvest. Winnowing. Grinding.
	                            Flour,
oil, water, salt, earthen bowl, wooden
spoon, kneading hands, oven heat,
each carries its own story, long
roots into dim reaches, linked
molecules from disparate parts
	                    come now
as common food held in my hands
as I kneel in contemplation. Remember
how fish becomes heron, how rabbit
turns into fox, flesh and blood. How
could I doubt earth-born sacrifice, life 
transformed: the sacred, sustaining gift.
	                           I partake.

This article appeared in the Fall 2014 issue of UU World (page 20). See sidebar for links to related resources.