My (Not Doing) List – Poem by Ali Grimshaw


feed fear with unreal reels

worry about my forgetfulness

get rid of the unwanted flab under my arms

build my knowledge of astrophysics

whiten my teeth or make my oven sparkle

catalog boxes of dust collectors

perfect the way I manage my time

hesitate to sing regardless of location

find a way to get him to talk to me

obsess on how to be better balanced

wait for better weather to begin

© Ali Grimshaw 2025

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36 thoughts on “My (Not Doing) List – Poem by Ali Grimshaw

  1. Nice work, AG. I’ve got a Things-I-Gotta-Quit-Doing list, but I ain’t making much headway on it — I’m too busy reading other people’s fine poetry. Thanks for being a roadblock.

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Ali, I think over the years, I’ve made so many lists that my lists are a list. But my all time favorite list is the ability to listen. Loved your post! Take care!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Usually, I would just add your poems to my poetry collection within my emails after reading it. However, I need to keep this one front and center in my “new” emails. I have to-do lists but I’ve never seen a “not to-do list” and I absolutely need to keep this close. I also need to create my own “not to-do list” which would make my day so much less stressful. Thank you Ali!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Oh dear, a set of tough challenges to brighten your day, oven, or teeth…..now must look up astrophysics, but fear it is above me…enjoyed your verse.

    Liked by 1 person

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