How to do a reading at a funeral without sobbing

[Definitelynotlazy]

It's my mum's funeral this week. I would like to say just a few words and read a short poem thing.
I want to do it well and I even want to smile and be brave for her.
Trouble is I am having trouble not crying.
Any tips to keep a stiff upper lip long enough to do this?

I am sending you so much love OP. My mum’s funeral is a week today and I am consumed by the same fears you had. Your thread has been such a reassurance for me, whether I make through without crying or not.
Thank you for posting and to everyone who answered.

I did it. I was fine. I pretty much inhaled a packet of polos whilst I was waiting, removed myself from the emotion by seeing how many words I could make out of my mum's name on the order of service, delivered my reading with dignity and held it together until I got back in the car!

Thank you for all the help.

I am now on my second very large glass of wine.

Well done, you did brilliantly I got completely drunk at the wake at my dad's funeral a month ago and home as soon as we left the crematorium (and all the formal things went off ok) , didn't eat anything all day, paid for it the next day big time. I think refusing all food knowing it would result in my getting drunk and not feeling well after was a combination of survivors' guilt and wanting oblivion. It's ok.

I am sending you so much love OP. My mum’s funeral is a week today and I am consumed by the same fears you had. Your thread has been such a reassurance for me, whether I make through without crying or not.
Thank you for posting and to everyone who answered.

So sorry for your loss

You don't need and you're not expected to have a stiff upper lip. Youve just lost you mum. If you cry you cry so be it. Theres no shame in emotion. It'd be odd if you up there doing A,merry dance.

Could you record it and then play it out?