March winds blow Purim into Santa Monica.
In time to recount the story of Esther.
Prepare to bake Hamentashen.
With three boys at the counter.
Setting out ingredients.
Utensils, bowls, pans, parchment paper.
Wishes for a joyful time.
Then starting to make dough.
Creaming butter, sugar.
Cracking eggs.
Adding vanilla, orange juice, salt, flour.
Tiny hands taking turns stirring, then kneading.
Deciding against a rolling pin.
Rather, shaping balls in palms.
Placing them on a pan.
Imprinting each with a thumb.
Shaping it into a triangle.
For Hamen’s hat or pocket,
whichever tale you prefer.
Filling with Nutella.
Each boy, cookie connoisseur.
Lynn Benjamin
March 30, 2024
