AILEEN OSOFSKY – AN OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR
by Judy Kay-Wolff on
May 19th, 2012
For several years in the late nineties, I served on the ACBL Good Will Committee at the side of Chairman Aileen Osofsky, one of the most popular and gracious contributors to the game who passed away about three years ago. Yesterday, I happened upon a tribute I wrote for her on an occasion she was being honored. It brought a smile to my lips.
Public speaking – is hardly my bag | And gushy words – I find such a drag |
I opted to put – my thoughts into verse | But soon I took – a turn for the worse |
My goals were met – with mass confusion – | You’ll hear my saga – at the conclusion |
Now four couplets later – nothing’s been done | And I find myself – back at Square One |
With no more excuses – I’ll get down to biz | Will just have to tell it – such as it is |
Our Good Will Queen – is warm and gracious | Charming and caring – and ever vivacious |
For family and friends – she always came through | A bridge—playing saint – too good to be true |
Her continual smile – makes me want to ask | Is she for real?? – or is that a mask? |
Optimistic in nature – and far from designing | Forever in search – of that big silver lining |
Whether in person – or phone – or dot com | She portrays to us – the model Grande Dame |
But I have a grievance – of which I made mention | Sabotaging my poem – was not her intention) |
Considerate! Thoughtful! No one is sweeter | But oh how she foiled – my rhyme and my meter |
FOR WHAT WOULD I USE – TO GO WITH – OSOFSKY? | ALL I COULD FIND – WAS – PETER TSCHAIKOVSKY |
Just as I remembered her in the years I served on the committee as well.
Jane
I love your poems! My daughter is a poet,me too sometimes, loved the one you had on the other day, too. Last line is my favorite, Peter T, long may he be listened to. You are a writer.
Sorry about the spacing of this poem and the next, but I had no control over it. What did we ever do before computers?
Aileen was simply one of the best human beings I ever knew. I will never forget the Detroit spring (winter) NABC when she stood in the “motor lobby” (a good place to freeze your patootie off) handing out candy to incoming bridge players. She was amazing.