Toil

The schedule is the water
That slowly heats in the pot
Until the frog starts to boil.

Add a thing to do, a thing
To do, a thing to cross off
The list, the list that makes you

Feel good for crossing things off
Even as more get added.
One hour you’re swimming freely.

The next hour you’ve grown quite proud
Of how well you’re still swimming.
In another hour, you’re broth.