Try vinegar. Our grandmothers trusted

its knack for stripping back

organic matter. Try bicarbonate of soda,

try lemon, try tepid water spiked

with alka seltzer. Work before the fizz

dissipates. No success? If the affected area

resembles a spilt cabernet, dunk it whole

in semillon – those most alike know best

how to dissolve one another. Still no luck? Go

to the cupboard under the sink, try sugar soap,

hydrogen peroxide, anything with a caution,

an exclamation mark, crossbones in a diamond.

Should any telltale trace remain, light a flame

under the hotplate. When the smoke

begins to rise, stretch your fingers out

like a concert pianist – then come, come,

come, come, come – give me your hand.