the missing page from Betty Crocker
passion
action
and a dash of scandal
shake gently.
bake in a thousand degree
kiln for seventeen years.
hit with hammers for seven.
put back in the kiln
until passion equals action.
bring out.
admire.
shake again and look
at a distant star through the hole
in the middle. squint.
add in a bit of family
a lot of defiance
temper with love and bitterness
and quench in forgiveness.
dip in solitude. paint with dreams.
wear around neck.
pass down to your daughters
as a memoir of truth.
—11/29/99