The only thing I was ever "forced" to recite was the pledge of alliegence. However, I have always loved poetry and great quotes, so, I have miles of that stuff in my head. Two of my favorites, ..The moving finger writes, and, having writ, moves on
Nor, all your piety and wit can lure it back to cancel half a line
Nor all your tears wash out a word of it." (Omar the tent maker)
Another favorite is John Masefields: Loch Arcre....and the crew made seven and twenty dishes for the big jack sharks and little fishes..over their bones the water swishes..
I recite this in concert, then immediately, I sing Old Fid. It's a powerful combination.

My ex wife hated to be disturbed in the morning while she was waking up, so, I would sometimes say: arise for the sun has put the stars to flight
and caught the Sultans turret in a noose of light..she hated that.