Ode to Lists
In my computer, I have this particular file,
Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual,
This is my “How to Channel Anxiety” manual.
On top of endless errands, laundry, dishes, repetitive chores,
Reminders to take out the trash, change the litter, mop bathroom floors,
Emergencies, wildfires, vacation - what to pack?
Supplies that I think I need, actually, those which I lack.
I’ve written my short, mid, and long term goals too,
There’s always an agenda telling me what I’m supposed to do,
Sounds controlling, but I find it kinda fun,
Because if it’s on a list, it's somehow halfway done.
Pay the property, sales and self-employment taxes,
Since goodness knows, no one at the IRS ever relaxes,
Make a spreadsheet for handling student loans,
Health Insurance, Retirement, and other financial moans.
Put some stuff on Etsy, Ebay, NextDoor and Craiglist,
Now check the pantry for what my recipe missed,
Ingredients for quiche, powdered sugar for cake,
If I don't jot it down now, it will be a mistake.
Questions for the doctor, the dentist, the new mobile vet,
Symptoms that may need x-rays, vaccinations, better yet,
Is it time for a mammogram, endoscopy or pap smear?
Believe you me, I'd rather reschedule for next year.
The precisely quartered scraps of recycled paper by the phone,
Strengthen my inner resolve, support my backbone,
Although sometimes when I’m feeling lazy and soft,
I note down something I've done - just so I can cross it off.
There’s always updates: master, clients, wedding, mailing,
Plans for the kids, the time share, skiing or sailing,
Then there’s books, projects, all the crafty diys
Bookmarked, tagged, for when “I have the time”
While all this gives me some sort of ease
Sometimes I write, “Remember to breathe.”
Imagine what I compose when it comes to Christmas…
But really there’s nothing worse than being listless!
