I’m glad I cleared my schedule for a day
So when assignments suddenly appeared
They caused me but a moment of dismay
Before I girded loins and volunteered.

Farewell, sweet slack and idleness of mind!
Adieu commuting hours with Marcel Proust!
Here cheer and masochism are combined,
As by adrenaline I am seduced.

But even if I manage to complete
All tasks within the meagre time allowed,
Perhaps the victory won’t taste as sweet
If of my slapdash efforts I’m not proud.

Perfection may well be the foe of done,
But mediocrity is never fun.