Going gluten free has taken away the joy of a dinner roll.

What is it about that plump pillow of yeasty goodness

that inspires joy

that conjures childhood holiday dinners

Fresh white linens nestled into the silvery swoop of a bread bowl,

cradling the warm treasure inside.

Peeling the paper thin square from its side,

folding it into my mouth where it immediately melts,

before pressing a cool smear of butter

against its warm surface

leaving enough of a layer

so the salty bite stands on its own for just a beat before

it melds together in all its glutinous glory.