A Forty-One Year Old Ode to Edgar (Kaplan)

Rummaging through some old storage boxes, I came across many verses I had penned for special occasions over a fifty-year span.  Suddenly I found myself staring at a poem I had hand-written to Edgar shortly after the 1967 Montreal Mixed Pair which I related last week in "REMEMBERING EDGAR."  Since it was so apropos, I have succumbed to the urge to post it:

 

ODE TO EDGAR

‘Twas time for the Mixed – a capacity house

   I sat down across from – the ‘pard’ of my spouse

Our system agreed — (mild Kaplanish-Kay)

   The opponents arrived – we entered the fray

I told partner dear – (in case he forgot)

   To bid his own cards – (cause bashful, I’m not)!!

Before very long – came the first sign of trouble

   I made a light call – the opponents screamed double!

To embark on a game – such as this is a pity

   But when the smoke cleared – 730 looked pretty.

My style was consistent – throughout the long day

   I’d overbid – and he’d overplay

We vied for the part scores – (intrepid – no doubt)

   The motto I bore – was NEVER SELLOUT

Never sell out – (you must understand)

   Only applies – when HE plays the hand

Precise and so thoughtful – he bids with such grace

   And doesn’t go hopping – all over the place

I know what he’s got – (he can’t say the same)

   It would take all the mystery – out of my game

So be it by fate – or the luck of the draw

   I sure enjoyed bein’ – his partner-in-law.

(Signed) Mrs. Norman Kay