To Do List | Teen Ink

To Do List

March 15, 2023
By clu BRONZE, Newport Coast, California
clu BRONZE, Newport Coast, California
1 article 1 photo 0 comments

Monday


English Chapter 9-12

This book is grating, you know?

Brain in a maximum security prison

Pushing through the cheesecloth 

Eroding until my head becomes viscous

Mush

I stay optimistic, though

Equipped with rose-colored goggles

I must brave through this

Reminder to self: don’t give up!


Tuesday


I’ve almost got it.

But tomorrow 

It’ll fill up, overflowing and crashing over,

Pressing onto the glass,

Reminder to self!

Delusionality is the recipe for success,

I can do anything if I believe. 

Stay on top of everything, and

Stay afloat 


My ear rings today

I’m climbing an invisible ladder

Reminder to self: need to buy pain medication


Bio quiz today


Wednesday


I should start writing down my dreams

Because yesterday, I can’t quite recall, but I know 

Last night, I saw you.

We couldn’t speak the same language but somehow I know 

In one way or another, we existed in the same plane of time.

Faraway lands, cotton candy clouds

Pink and saccharine, but fragile 

Though the rain dissolved all my hope 

There, I am the King. 

Actually, I think Duke would be a better fit. 


Thursday


Today was the worst day I’ve had in a while. 

I know it’s not right to say things like this in a planner.

Escaping is only a fantasy. 

I’m trapped in a fishbowl. 

This gravel at my feet is no longer appealing, with its technicolor hue. 

The neon strains my eyes. 

I’ve grown bored, and I need new stimulation. 


Study for math quiz

Your grade depends on it!


Friday


I slept so well last night. 

I can’t quite remember what I dreamed about 

(Reminder to self - start making note of dreams right when I wake up)

But I have the feeling

That I’ve lost hold of something that

Maybe 

was never mine 

Lost in this bog, 

I can only hope that next week will be better

That next week will bring light


The author's comments:

This piece includes things from my real-life planner, along with my inner thoughts. Oftentimes, the overwhelming feeling of stress can be too much to express in mere handwritten form - poetry gives nuance to the rhythm of your words. I wish to convey the stress of daily school responsibilities, as well as how "drowning" it can feel to be overloaded with work.


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