According to an embodiment, a cement composition for use in an oil or gas well, the cement composition comprises: cement; water; and a polymer, wherein the polymer: (i) comprises a monomer or monomers capable of forming a polyester; and (ii) is capable of providing a thickening time of at least 2 hours at a temperature of 400° F. (204.4° C.) and a pressure of greater than about 500 psi (3.4 MPa) for a test composition consisting essentially of: the cement; the water; and the polymer, and in the same proportions as in the cement composition. According to another embodiment, a method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprises: introducing the cement composition into the subterranean formation; and allowing the cement composition to set.