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Michael Harper

Layers

harvest simple grain
stone ground kernels make the flour –
cheese mixed in for taste

a round foundation forms the base. tomato sauce mortar, paint on with careful strokes. oregano and basil both smell like licorice when finger ground. black pepper this time. parmesan soaks in the red juice, holding it together.

summer yellow squash
zucchini green white onion –
a flash in the pan

news reaches the commuter. anticipation builds during the drive. arriving home, shock! hiding child startles in the foyer – never ceases to surprise. pervading aroma meets you between first and second floor. no fire, but heat. bake then broil to brown.

plunging silver disk
rolling through to split the crust –
chili paste on top