The Greed of Ms Kelder

She keeps a jar of hearts in her broom closet

She has sold off her own heart to buy his
And his and his and his

He sees the jar
Where’s your heart? He asks

Not there, not in there, she says reaching for the knife

I’ve buried it in the garden and nothing will grow there

He sees the knife and takes the jar
I’ll break it

I only want your heart, she cries moving closer
Give me your heart
Give me your love

The knife is beatifully clean
He hesitates and shouts
I’ll give you mine but then you must vow to never take another

She licks her lips
sinks the cold metal into his chest

His life escapes him with a whisper

Cradling the tiny warmth in her hand
She cries
I wanted your love, your love