It was beautifully crafted and eloquently expressed. And it touched us all.
Here is her sharing:
They said welcome to the conference Where everyone has come from a distance
Attending not in absence
But only to share our essence, with our presence
There was a moment of governance
Which is of relevance to us as leaders
Where we gather to vote
So that one may dote
As they devote and promote
What this organisation stands for
Integrity, Respect, Service, Excellence
There was a moment of Diamond and Denim
Where one could shine and blossom
Where nothing seemed random
And it only inspired freedom
When I arrived famished
I was astonished that I could replenish
From one to the other meeting another
Engaging in banter and sharing laughter
Lest we forget the speakers
Who are the bearers
Of only good news
Eveready to make us better
Reminding us that if we falter
There is always an answer
We start off with the power of stories
Learning to be VIP
And eventually use RSVP
Learning to SIFT
So that we transform the insignificant into the significant
To find our gift, so that we uplift
By speaking, serving and sharing
But most importantly that confidence,
Is being comfortable with silence
Another who shared about the unwritten rules,
On how to play the game
Not for the fame,
But to proclaim our claims
Reminding us,
Presence is the shadow that precedes you
That it is about people competence
Being 7-11 in our judgement
Not for amusement,
Not for defilement,
Not for harassment,
But for employment, commitment and achievement
There were also the six controversies
That seemed like a tease
And yet we learnt with ease
That it is after all not about projection or tradition
But intention
There was a moment for installment
So that we recognise the old and the new
That we shed tears of joy
And yet still be coy as we enjoy
The essence of being a toastmaster
Not to be an elder, but to cater
To our community and humanity
Where real men don’t cry, but leaders do
Followed by speeches from not speakers
But orators
Who deliver to capture and inspire
With the asking of which way
This way or that way
To remind us that we are not good for nothing
But good at something
That there is a power of attraction
Just ensure there is no procrastination
That empathy makes us easy going
And not egoing
That we don’t sing, because we are the band
That can never disband
But only expand
And that we live our life like a song
Not to be headstrong, but to belong
Welcome to the conference
Where everyone has come from a distance
Where we will leave with radiance, resonance, and remembrance
To all that has been done, said and prepared
I only say
I have stood up, I have spoken up, I will shut up, and I will sit down
And with this I withdraw, in awe.
END.
