I have learned to love recitation. I alway mix poems and songs as complimentary pieces. "Spainish Johnny" followed by "When the works All Done This Fall" and "Sully's Pail", recited, followed by "Coal Tattoo" are work horses in my one man performances.

My children are afraid to stand before anyone and speak and be the center of attention. I wish I could change that aspect of their schooling. I feel that by learning to recite and be the focus of the moment children learn what it means to have the respect of their peers. And there by, recieving respect, they learn to give the same.

One of my favorites, slightly altered to allow for a lack of visual cueing;

Count these as of my heart felt wishes,

To hear a fish tale as told by fishes,

Of worms with rather droopy looks,

Pierced through by hateful, horrid hooks,

Of fisherman they faced all day, Some,

As big as me, and got away from.

Don