The To Do List As The Younger Sibling Poem

Cynthia May

less than a minute read

·

23-01-2025

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Ah, the to-do list. That seemingly endless scroll of responsibilities, a constant companion for the perpetually busy adult. But what if we viewed it through a different lens? What if, for a moment, we channeled the perspective of the younger sibling, perpetually overshadowed, always in the wake of the older, more accomplished one? This poem attempts to capture that very feeling.

The Poem

The to-do list sighs, a weary breath, A parchment scroll, predicting death. Of leisure time, of quiet peace, A tyranny that won't release.

It lists the chores, the calls to make, The deadlines looming, for goodness sake! A never-ending, endless chase, A frantic run, a weary race.

My older sibling, bright and bold, Their lists are checked, their stories told. Achievements gleam, a shining light, While mine remain, a shadowed sight.

For every task they swiftly do, My list expands, a growing hue. A mountain high, a daunting peak, My fragile spirit starts to creak.

Yet in the cracks, a glimmer shows, A quiet strength, that gently grows. Each item marked, a victory won, A tiny battle, bravely run.

The list may loom, a fearsome sight, But I, the younger, shall take flight. For even small accomplishments gleam, A whispered triumph, in a silent dream.

A Reflection on the Analogy

The poem uses the metaphor of the to-do list to explore the feeling of constantly comparing oneself to others, particularly those older or seemingly more successful. The younger sibling, often overlooked, feels the pressure of expectations and the weight of unfinished tasks, symbolized by the ever-growing list.

However, the poem also offers a message of hope and resilience. Even small accomplishments are victories, and the act of tackling the list, however daunting, is a testament to personal strength and perseverance. The poem reminds us that progress, not perfection, is the key. It encourages us to celebrate our own individual journeys, regardless of external comparisons. The poem subtly emphasizes that we shouldn't measure our success against others, but rather celebrate our individual achievements, no matter how small.