The List
The list of things I mean to do
is long and wide and varied.
The tasks must soon be done,
but I’ve waffled and I’ve tarried.
I need to help clean our garage
It’s stacked from floor to ceiling
I must admit I put it off.
This task is not appealing
I need to do my homework.
My teacher gave a warning.
I’ll do it when my game is done
or maybe, in the morning!
I need to give my dog a bath.
He’s dirty and he’s stinking.
I’ll have more time on Saturday
to get it done, I’m thinking.
I often make long, detailed lists
of jobs that are accruing.
But I know I’m just avoiding
the tasks I should be doing.
I’m really quite accomplished
at putting off ‘til later,
the things I mean to do.
I’m a great procrastinator!
is long and wide and varied.
The tasks must soon be done,
but I’ve waffled and I’ve tarried.
I need to help clean our garage
It’s stacked from floor to ceiling
I must admit I put it off.
This task is not appealing
I need to do my homework.
My teacher gave a warning.
I’ll do it when my game is done
or maybe, in the morning!
I need to give my dog a bath.
He’s dirty and he’s stinking.
I’ll have more time on Saturday
to get it done, I’m thinking.
I often make long, detailed lists
of jobs that are accruing.
But I know I’m just avoiding
the tasks I should be doing.
I’m really quite accomplished
at putting off ‘til later,
the things I mean to do.
I’m a great procrastinator!
This poem is copyright (©) Theresa Gaughan 2026

About the Writer
Theresa Gaughan
Theresa is a third-grade teacher living in Knoxville, Tennessee. She is an avid reader and has a very extensive collection of children's books. The first poem she ever shared with others was written in fourth-grade. It was titled, I Have to Pay Attention. Her teacher asked her to make it into a poster that she later displayed in the hallway. Ms. Gaughan has no memory of the lesson that she missed while writing the poem.