lamb chop

for Elspeth

It was a long summer

of pastries and Pavarotti.

Little did I know,

craving donuts and opera

would bake up a tasty cream puff

with a mouth wide for song.

Not till that judge tossed his pencil

and leaned back in his chair,

did I realize your splendid bakery.

Sometimes the recipe was wrong,

but you opened those brave chops

and sang like a daughter of God.

The ovens have been hot.

Your crust is not as tough as it seems.

After the wild flour settles,

your sweet bel canto

puts Krispy Kremes to shame.

willow, 2010

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