The List

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Arlene MacDonald
Guest Author

I made a list of things to do tomorrow
before I went to bed,

so all those tasks I need to do
wouldn’t leave my head.

I woke to brilliant sun,
happy that the day had just begun.

I reached onto my nightstand
to fetch my glasses,

to read my list of things to do
before the morning passes.

I searched and searched, but to my despair
my trusty glasses did not reappear.

Try as I might,
I couldn’t restore my sight.

Without my eyes
to lead me to my list,

the things I need to do
no longer exist.

Does this mean I have license to play;
do whatever I want and enjoy the day?

What a great turn of events,
I realize with glee.

Losing the list must mean
I’m free, I’m free, I’m free!

________________________________

About Arlene MacDonald:  “I am a retired Computer Aided Drafting teacher. Oddly enough, I taught at Johnson County Community College, where guest author Martha Varzaly is currently teaching Composition. We don’t know each other, but it certainly illustrates how small the world is. I am a novice in the writing department, but I have always loved words and the feelings they evoke. I was inspired to try my hand at the craft  by my dear friend who is the author of this blog. She is a teacher who is quick to praise and to encourage all of her students on Sanibel Island, and  I’m lucky enough to have her as my personal muse.”

3 thoughts on “The List”

  2. That’s what I say too, Janet. As I told Arlene, I have great respect for those who try a new creative activity late in life. My husband has taken up painting. He finds great enjoyment sitting before his easel dabbing colors on a canvas. As a writer, I try to keep my beginner’s mind too. So thanks, Janet, for your comment–and also to Arlene, for her poem and kind words.

  3. Welcome Arlene. I was reminded of this to-do list from Gabrielle Hamilton’s “Blood, Bones & Butter”:

    Get w/AT and limit menu
    Train CR on a 2-man line
    Call Roode for fill-in?
    Have baby
    Tell brunch crew vinaigrette too acidic
    etc.

    If you’re ever in NY, do get a reservation at Prune. Her cooking is as good as her writing.

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