They didn’t have time
for the loaves to rise—
grab clay jars water hay oil
throw scarves into a bag
kick up the dirt clods
and dust in hurry.
Later, when they chewed
dense bread, it clung to back
molars and locked their jaws,
wearied their tongues.
Did they wonder
What would it be like
had we stayed,
let it finish?
Sure we were
in bondage but
at least our bread was edible
…and what is this manna?
Every other god is hungry.
Only Yahweh comes to feed us.
And bread tastes of Flesh, of affliction,
of promise fulfilled, of fruit.