To do or not to do
that is the daily question

A management tool that is well known to you    
the procrastination list known as ‘to do’      

It’s there on your desk at the start of the day      
To deal with before other tasks come your way.     

First you tidy your desk - to lighten your mood      
Then watch the list grow - you’ve new tasks to include.    

Which ones to do now and which leave for later.   
Time first for coffee from the percolator.  

Now back to the list which you feel is too long    
And prioritise into short term and long.   

It’s still overwhelming so - ‘panic attack’.   
Deep breathing will help - and a break for a snack.     

Your lunchtime is sacred no work can be done      
and as it’s a nice day you doze in the sun    

But work is relentless, it’s back to your list.    
which needs some revisions, there are two things you’ve missed

A glance at the clock and voilà, time for tea.    
A cup of Earl Grey and some cake from Dundee   

You pick off a small job that’s easy to do.    
Now count the remaining, there are still forty-two*.    

Before you turn round the day comes to an end.   
Switch off the computer, you’re meeting a friend.   

There’s always tomorrow for sure that is true     
to look once again at the list called ‘to do’.     

© 2025 Philip Barnett

*homage to Douglas Adams