The Fourth Shelf (1.1)

To the left of the fireplace, the khaki slabs of a built in bookshelf bite deep into the white wall. The fourth shelf is a lost and found pantry: a confusing array of brightly colored packages and forgotten items. A large can of Stop and Shop Old Fashioned Oats dominates the shelf-scape; its deep red label shining in the soft glow of winter light. Facing forward to display a bright bowl of Microwaveable, 100% Natural oats, the can sits at the exact center of the crowded shelf. To its left the French Style Green Beans and Seedless Red Raspberry Jam huddle against an un-opened package of Lipton Iced Tea, glinting respectfully at the Oats’ side. These intimidated cans face inward, displaying their neatly printed black and white Nutrition Facts. The Iced Tea with Natural Goodness anchors the left end of the shelf, resting comfortably against the painted wood. Behind the bright yellow box of Lipton sits a plastic cup of plastic cutlery, dusty and forgotten. To the right of the Oats three orange packages of Maruchan Ramen violently reflect shards of the dying light. The packages’ crumpled dramatic plastic jut against the Oats’ 18oz cylinder, asserting themselves. The right end of the shelf is marked by an upright package of Thin Spaghetti, a forgettable blue and white box of Enriched Macaroni Product. Sandwiched between the aggressive Ramen and the anemic Spaghetti is the bulb of a fake flower, its soft cloth petals crumpled. The yellowing white of the faux-daisy is lost amongst the vivid grocery-store colors, label-less and brand-less.