Memorization

In school, I had to memorize
A Kilmer poem called “Trees.”
I wasn’t crazy ‘bout it, but
I did the deed with ease.

My 6^th grade brain had lots of cells
Absorbing all the stuff
I entered as I learned things;
There was always room enough.

But as the years flew by, that brain
Was filling to the brim
And adding more, or trying to,
Took me out on a limb.

Abilities go AWOL, too,
And thus memorization
Appears at this time to have gone
On permanent vacation.

I have a speech to memorize –
Of course, it’s rhyming verse –
And I’m not sure if reading it
Or botching will be worse.

I’ll try it but will sneak a copy
Just in case I need it,
Though I’m expecting, honestly,
Most likely I will read it.