Speech! Poem by Jeannette Heywood

At wedding breakfast we all sit, my speech next... must remember it.

I stand and fear my voice is lost, must say these words whatever the cost.

My knees begin to shake... oh speak... for heaven's sake!

I fumble with my papers now, wring my hands, mop my brow.

Words from my mouth come tumbling, speaking clearly, not even mumbling.

People all around me smile, though this speech seems as long as a mile.

They laugh out loud as I joke, then congratulate me on the words I spoke.