Okay, fine—I lost my charger again.
Laptop’s dead. My slideshow? When?
My notes are buried, my links are gone,
And my science project’s due by dawn.

Mom just stared. “You need a reset.
You’re going to your aunt’s. No internet
until you learn how to sort your stuff.
I’m done watching you crash and bluff.”

So off I went to Aunt Elaine’s place,
Where shelves were labeled and floors had space.
Even her cat had a schedule sheet.
No pizza crusts. No tangled sheets.

She raised an eyebrow when I arrived.
“Let’s see if your habits survive.”

The next day I said, “Can I take a walk?”
“Nope,” she said. “You’ve got a project to unlock.
Check your inbox—it’s waiting there.
Time to work. And do it with care.”

I flopped at my desk and powered up slow.
Then came a knock and a dramatic, “Hellooo.”
She wore two different socks and a lopsided grin:
“I’m Disorder,” she said. “Mind if I come in?”

She handed me files—some broken, some blank.
“Your aunt said to make a slideshow. You’ll tank.”
I stared at the screen. “This is a joke.”
My brain felt scrambled. My patience broke.

Then came a voice like a calm, clear bell.
“Need a hand?” she asked. “I organize well.”
Her name was Order. She smoothed every file,
Sorted my tabs, and stayed for a while.

We finished the slides. I hit submit.
Aunt Elaine walked in. “You actually did it?”
I nodded. She smiled. “Now that’s what I meant.”

Back at home, I’m still not perfect.
But I’ve got folders. And I stay on track.
Order’s with me. And I’m not going back.

_{“From Mess to Yes” by Nina D. Smith, published by Bright Bunny Books © 2025. Retelling of “Careless Matilda” from Little Ann and Other Poems by Jane and Ann Taylor.}

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“From Mess to Yes” is written for middle school students, particularly those in grades 6–8, who can relate to the challenges of organization, school deadlines, and personal growth.