My childrens' school has a public speaking requirment every year and I turn to you, minds much greater than my own, for help in suggesting pieces. In past years my son made it to the semi finals with "Jaberwocky" and "Abort, Retry, Ignore". Most of the children seem to gravitate either to lighthearted "Shel Silverstien" type selections or "deep" pieces about child abuse and drunk driving - death resulting. There are also "famous speeches". And, of course, "The Raven". (Listen to three The Ravens and one Abort, Retry, Ignore in one night and that meter stays with you for days). So, any ideas for poems that are appropriate for 11 - 13 year olds (one girl, one boy) that fall in the middle of the emotional spectrum and have some good performance potential?

Sorry this is so long. I use to be better at these things, but in my current state of mind all I can come up with is:

Estrogen, Estrogen
It must be repeated

So unappreciated
Til its been depleted

Any Ogden Nash is usually well received.

Testosterone Testosterone
they put it in my Toblerone
and now I'm on the telephone
and being very manly

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There's a rhythm that will stay with you for a while also. Too much like the night before Christmas one? Yeah, maybe.

C:\ is the root of all directories

apart from the directories on D:\ or E:\, etc.

you are saying?

maybe they feel like a bit of acting scottish?
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or maybe something by Edgar Allen Poe:
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I've witnessed "O Captain, My Captain" win 3 separate elementary/middle schoo recitals in the past 10-12 years. It can be very moving if recited with proper emotion.

JoeT