In lieu of children,
some people I heard of
are raising sourdough.

The care with which
they nurture this is equal
to something newborn.

To not knead is not to
need. Perhaps, but there is
joy in the risen.

Some wake early
to tend to the young starters,
to praise their culture.

Their soft pliance
Their baby navel
Their doughy potential.

A study, a truth
a formula,
A tender and a tenderness.

Put your devotion
into any family.
All love is love.