Take one heart (fresh is best) and slice it down the middle.
Tenderize with disbelief, then marinate the bleeding halves in melancholia.
When mollified, rinse in ice-cold invective. Pat dry with opportunistic hugs.
Meanwhile, bring a pan of salted tears to boil. Simmer at blood heat.
After half a year, pierce cleanly with a skewer.
Spice with bitters and resentment, and sizzle till browned off.
Stew in thyme and wistfulness awhile, till the flame begins to flicker.
Let the half-hearts cool on sheepish embers.
Chop finely into pieces, crush, and spread thinly, on other people’s crumbs.
Serve with soured grapes.
© Joanna Rubery 2017