Featured Poem: Lists

By Barbara J. Dunham
Pensacola Branch

 

On the nightstand to record stray thoughts,

Kitchen table, things I bought,

Pocket of robe, soon to be washed,

Near the trash can, randomly tossed.

 

Side table where I read my books,

Dash of my car where I forget to look.

Inside a magazine to mark my place.

Taped to a mirror’s empty space.

 

Backs of envelopes, a napkin or receipt,

Anywhere possible but be discreet.

 

Organize my life,

Tasks to do,

Telephone numbers of who knows who.

 

Ideas on paper, notes to remind,

Arrivals, departures, gates, and times.

 

Habit or need, not sure I know.

Addiction or fetish, seeds that grow.

 

As I get older, the lists pile up, part of the clutter, not much luck

Getting things done on time or ever.

Can’t seem to stop, divert or sever.

 

Lists become digital, move on demand, procrastination, sleight of hand.

 

Ditch the paper, use the phone,

Let’s get organized while we work from home.

 

But change is slow and the self is weak,

Hide our secrets, afraid of a leak.

 

But everyone knows, can’t get things done,

Fighting demons not much fun.

 

Ah! There’s an answer to this sad tale,

Just wait, you’ll love it, hit the nail.

 

So just bury them with me when I die, the angels will be laughing and so will I.

13 comments

  1. Andrea Walker, Pensacola branch says:

    Barbara, your poem certainly strikes a chord of reality. How much of that we all have in common! Good job with details and a great sense of humor.

  2. Claire Massey says:

    Oh, if only we could clear the clutter from our lives!
    I love the poem’s last line. Must we really wait until we are with the angels?
    Then, some hapless relative will have to do it for us. Oh well. At least we ducked that chore.
    : )
    Claire Massey
    NLAPW Poetry Editor

  3. Dianne Glass says:

    That is certainly appropriate for many of us these days. You described it so perfectly and so rhythmically . Yes, it’s me too!

    Thanks for sharing,
    Dianne

  4. Virginia Nygard says:

    Had to laugh – have you ben spying on me? I think many of us can relate. Well done!

Comments are closed.