So, who here remembers that ‘Yesterday She Was’ poem I posted over the weekend? Well, I’m reading it at the funeral tomorrow. Rather nervous about this because I’m not a big fan of public speaking.
Thank you to John W. Howell for creating the Community Storyboard prompt that led to the poem. Check out both sites.
About Charles Yallowitz
Charles E. Yallowitz was born, raised, and educated in New York. Then he spent a few years in Florida, realized his fear of alligators, and moved back to the Empire State. When he isn't working hard on his epic fantasy stories, Charles can be found cooking or going on whatever adventure his son has planned for the day. 'Legends of Windemere' is his first series, but it certainly won't be his last.
Legends of Windemere 
You will do fine. Anything you could say would make your grandmother very proud.
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Yeah, but she was always proud of what I did. My uncle and cousin are doing speeches from what I’ve heard.
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Just try to remember who you are doing this for. It is for her, no the crowd.
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I thought it was for the crowd since she’ll be busy making sure my grandfather isn’t late to something.
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LOL. I have heard so many times that funerals are for the living, but I never felt that way in my heart. When I am at a funeral I am there for the memory of the person who passed.
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I’ve never given it much thought. The shiva call (Jewish condolence call) was about the memories.
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It will be good, then.
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It’s good you have something to read. Always harder for impromptu speeches. Sorry you are dealing with this.
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That’s why I didn’t speak at my grandfather’s funeral. Flew in that morning and didn’t know speaking was an option.
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I hate public speaking too. I know you will do well.
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Thanks.
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Advice from a seasoned public speaker (and no! I am not going to do it for you): just picture everyone naked. Works for most newbies. Trust me!
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Even if they’re all family?
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I heard that works as well. Good luck with the reading.
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I feel a little queasy thinking of that.
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Even better. Just don’t laugh. That is the key.
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Maybe I should go first, so I don’t have to follow a better act.
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That is actually a really good idea.
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All the more reason to do. Good practice!
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Practice? Don’t think I have time for that.
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Sure, that’s what poetry is all about. It’s an aural art.
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Unfortunately, I don’t have time for practicing. Going to be a rush to get everything ready.
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You write from your heart. Speak from your heart, too, and once you get started, you’ll do fine. Focus on the positive effects that your heartfelt poem may have on others and how it may help them, and maybe that will get your mind off being nervous (but if it has the opposite effect, I apologize for steering you wrong).
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Thanks. My plan right now is to say hi, introduce myself, read the poem, and hurry back to my seat.
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In my experience, the best speakers are in a hurry to get back to their seats. If somebody wants to speak, please don’t let him on the stage. 🙂
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Good idea. Those will go on for hours.
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It’s a beautiful poem, Charles – you’ll do really well. Good luck!
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Thanks.
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The best of luck to you my friend, and I believe that you will do an amazing job of delivering that poem. Even if you’re ready to just jump off the stage and back into your seat, lol.
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Thanks. Looking forward to the anxiety. 😉
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You will do great Charles, I read one of mine at my grandmothers funeral last year and although I was terribly nervous, it all went fine. Stay strong my friend you will do well.
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Thanks. Fingers crossed.
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Condolences on your loss Charles. And I wish you well with the reading – it is a beautiful poem.
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Thanks.
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So sorry for your loss. But best of luck tomorrow – it’s a gorgeous poem.
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Thanks. Glad the reading went smoothly.
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You will do well. The poem is from the heart and anyone who hears it will be blessed.
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Thanks. It went well. I made it through in one piece too. Was a pallbearer and had to help fill in the grave to some extent. The Rabbi said the casket had to be completely buried, so it was more than one shovelful per person.
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Good to hear. I’m a little behind in my blog reading.
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I’ve taken the rest of the day off. I’ll return the monkey to my back tomorrow morning.
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