I was once told that I had a poor vocabulary for someone who wanted to be a writer. Sounds offensive, but really I felt the same way. Words don’t stick with me. I am often using a thesaurus to find a just right word. I keep a notebook of words. And I subscribe to two different “Word of the Day” emails. Today the word was aide-mémoire. Isn’t that a lovely, fancy word for a list? So here is a list poem/ definito hot off the presses. (in other words, drafted right here, right now)
To Do List
Leave out the empty bottle of Pledge, box of ziplocs
Margaret Simon, draft
Memory aid written
on a free notepad from St. Jude’s.
What time is your hair appointment?
Draw a line to the train schedule.
Lesson plan, your son-in-law’s birthday
both due on Saturday by noon.
Books to read in a stack by your bed.
Folded business card, field trip bus driver,
Things to do, things to buy, letters to write
a pile on the kitchen counter… aide-mémoire.
Reflections on the Teche 
Fun, clever, and helpful list/definito poem Margaret- it reminds me of one of mine that get too full too fast… And intriguing word, aide-mémoire, quite worthy of a poem, thanks!
Words don’t stick with me either, Margaret. I have a way of remembering names/ words tangentially to what they are supposed to be. My daughters call it “Mom-speak”, but they always understand me. Trying to learn German has added another layer to my word scramble with embarrassing results here in Switzerland. Thank you for the introduction to “aide-mémoire”. Your poetry is always inspiring.
I’m with you, Margaret. I got through my meeting this week because I had a detailed agenda/list… but then I showed the committee members the wrong banner. Thing is, nobody noticed. We’re all on overload, I think. Good poem! Hang in there…
I’m definitely a list maker, Margaret. And I almost always have thesaurus.com open on my desktop as I write or revise. Thanks for the new word!
I keep the lists, too, Margaret, & now your poem is a smile for yours & now mine! Thanks, I will use this new word, “aide-mémoire” as a title at the top!
Margaret, thank you for the introduction to the lovely phrase aide-memoire. I only hope I remember it tomorrow. I better write it down!
Margaret, I love the new word of the day you shared today! I can appreciate the list of things you need to remember that you shared–knowing that they are probably part of your life now. Thanks for this fun way to introduce a new word.
How clever to turn your word-of-the-day into a definito! This one’s new to me and I’ll keep it in mind every time I add another item to my hydra-list–you know, the one that keeps growing more items every time you cross one off! Maybe calling it an aide-mémoire will make it a bit less intimidating…Thanks for always sharing your inspirations!
Thank you for giving a name to my way of life. (and also for your spot-on, relatable, “hot off the presses” [HAHA] poem!!)
Margaret, I love the new word instead of a to-do list. it sounds more elegant and appealing creating a list instead of script-scrap papers around my house. Thanks for the new word and the fun poem.
Yes, Margaret, words don’t stick with me and I love using a thesaurus. Now I know a new word thanks to you–and I think I’ll write it down. Your poem shows aide-mémoire well. Well wrought definito!