Deadlines

Deadlines, deadlines

We need them; we hate them

We can't do without them

When you're on the other side, waiting

you wish they'd hurry up already

When you're the one with the deadline

You wish you had more time

Deadlines, deadlines

We can't do without them

In everything they're ubiquitous

They provide a measure of productivity

Which in many ways directly influences income

And even our reputation

So as deadlines are odious, they're necessary

Deadlines, deadlines

Such a simple word, abi

But so pregnant with meaning

So very applicable to daily life

And of course such a good subject for a poem

for my dear friend Dormenyo

who always has deadlines to meet!

Angela Azumah Alu, 6/11/14, Accra

Procrastination

Thou art my mortal enemy; yet thee I embrace as I would the closest of friends

Thy lies have caused many an embarrassment for me; yet continually I am in bed with thee          

Thou causest me many regrets and always I am dissatisfied with myself

Procrastination!

Thou art my enemy; I must see thee as such

I see thee as such; I must treat thee as such

I treat thee as such; I must not listen to thy lies

Procrastination!

Now is the time; not to think, talk or analyse

Now is the time; just to act, do, make, write

Now is the time; time goes only forwards and waits not

Procrastination!

Thou art my enemy; I will bed no longer with thee

I shed of thy clothes; I regain my life

I start anew; living life as timebound

Angela Azumah Alu 

05/03/14