Yellowed paper flaps loose

Yellowed paper flaps loose

on the cold steel door,

held by tape frayed at the edges.

A grocery list, hurried scrawl,

some items crossed out,

others half-scribbled,

a note left like a ghost

in the kitchen’s hum.

I stare at the smudged words,

fingers itching to trace the ink,

remember who wrote it,

or what was left unsaid

between the lines.

The note curls up at the corners,

a quiet witness to forgotten errands,

things that must be bought,

things that will wait,

till someone remembers

why they mattered at all.