ingredients for love

I assembled all the proper pieces, divided them into cups and jars so I could stay organized. I took my time and waited for the glue to dry even when I got impatient.

I used glitter and beads and added feathers to give it hope, then I bound it in a rainbow of ribbons to keep it safe and warm.

When it was finished, my love was a bright, sparkling love to outshine any construction-paper Valentine.

It was fantastic.

But I did it wrong.

I forgot to weigh it down with hard, heavy things to make it stronger. To add a pinch of salt to bring out the sweetness. I made it fanciful instead of real.

I shall have to try again.

About flax-golden tales. Photo by Carey Farrell. Text by Erin Morgenstern.