An oration of "The Cremation of Sam McGee" by Robert W. Service
Channel: Drew Kalbrener
Date: 2018-12-22

For years - decades, even - my dad has made a ritual of reading this poem ("The Cremation of Sam McGee" by Robert W. Service) at the annual Winter Solstice celebration he attends.  I always enjoyed hearing him tell it on Christmas Eve when I was growing up, and I've made a point to commit it to memory and to cultivate a narrator's voice so full of gravel you could use it to pave a country road.

While visiting my wife's brother's house last weekend, I made an over-loud exclamation on the subject of being dramatic.  I was then urged to avail myself of what can only be described as the oratory walkway running through and between the upper tier of the foyer and the great room - it seems purpose-built to address a crowd of gathered friends and family.  The sound is fairly terrible, and the lighting is... well.. just listen; don't look.

I hope you enjoy it, in spite of it's production flaws.

- Drew