unsalted butter

my neighbor

would come to the door,

around

nine in the evening and 

ask me

for a few teaspoons

of olive

oil.

sometimes

a can of tomato paste,

or two tablespoons

of 

unsalted butter.

usually she'd been

drinking red wine,

sometimes carrying the half

empty bottle

with her,

and a glass.

want some, she'd ask,

brushing off a strand

of pasta

from her short black dress.