I shape my ciabatta with gravity alone,
holding an edge and letting the opposite pole
of the raw-dough hang, just enough, then I invert
the lengthening piece, and repeat

Sensitive hands can feel 
where to hold, how long (and hard) to press,
and when to turn things around 

Allow the form
to find its form

Consider: the unbaked ciabatta 
is alive

Unlike God, I find 
the best bread rises
on the fourth day

Steam to crust,
ashes to dust

and all that lovely leaven
(so close to heaven)
in between

yeasty, earthy, 
airy chew

like life

cc: Chagall 2021