My Grocery Lists

Every week I write a grocery list

On an ordinary eight by ten sheet of paper

Folded in half lengthwise

Produce on one side

Dry goods, meats, cheeses, and the like on the other

The week’s menu inside

I fold it in half again the other way to carry it in my pocket

Upon entering the first store I make marks to indicate where I might find each item

Then I usually scratch off the items on the list

One at a time

As I find them

Until every item on the list has a line drawn through it

But not always

Then I bring the list home

But not always

And refer to it throughout the week

But not always

Then I throw it away

Always

Eventually

Because

Every week I write a new one and

Age isn’t valued

Every where

Every week