PANTOUM

Pantoum is a poetic form that first

appeared in the 15th Century,

in Malayan literature. It existed

as an oral form. The Western
version is a written poem made up

of stanzas of four lines that are
repeated in a pattern. It can be

any length the poet desires.

I found that I was very attracted to this form

when I discovered it several years ago.

After establishing the first four lines,

something starts to occur that seems

to be out of my hands. The poetry goes

to places that I never could have found

without the form. This force, form,

always surprises me.

The poem that follows is from my

book of poems, "Two Ghosts".

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RECIPE

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Remember the taste of fresh bread

As you ready the bread for baking.

Combine water and salt, add the yeast

And stir till you inhale the life of the bread.

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As you ready the dough for baking

Put in enough flour to stiffen the mother,

And stir till you inhale the life of the bread

As the dough leaves the sides of the bowl.

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Put in enough flour to stiffen the mother,

Pinch a piece to melt on your tongue

As the dough leaves the sides of the bowl,

Kneed till it's smooth and elastic as a womb.

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Pinch a piece to melt on your tongue

Spread the dough with soft butter and cover.

Kneed till it's smooth and elastic as a womb.

Let rise until doubled and press it once more.

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Spread the dough with soft butter and cover.

Then fold the edges and turn upside down,

Let rise until doubled and press it once more.

Roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll.

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Then fold the edges and turn upside down,

Place diagonally on a lightly greased sheet.

Roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll.

And with a sharp knife slash the top.

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Place diagonally on a lightly greased sheet.

Brush with cold water again and again,

And with a sharp knife slash the top.

Reduce the heat in the oven as the bread bakes.

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Brush with cold water again and again,

Sprinkle with sesame or light poppy seeds.

Reduce the heat in the oven as the bread bakes.

Then tap the loaf till it sounds like a hollow door.

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Sprinkle with sesame or light poppy seeds.

Combine water and salt, add the yeast

Then tap the loaf till it sounds like a hollow door.

Remember the taste of fresh bread.

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c 2009 all rights reserveed

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To order "Two Ghosts":

call 888-795-4274 ext.7876

www.xlibris.com www.amazon.com

www.bn.com www.borders.com

at bookstores