A paragraph you say
Is it possible
A paragraph about Jerry?
Is that possible?
This man who dreams in sagas?
Well, he’d say, I’m an Idea Man
Endless spinning, sculpting, supposing…
Ideas, imaginings, preposterous,
Presumptuous, unrestrained
You, Jerry, a paragraph?
How do you contain
An Idea Man
The tumult of thought
Here’s a tip
Write this down
Make a list
Get on the phone
In that cub reporter tone
Not so fast, Jerry
But I’m an Idea Man
You tossed them out like
Rice at a wedding
Tickertape on a parade
And then swept up like leaves
In a gust of autumn
They spiraled about you
The ideas, damn good ones,
As you took off
For unknown parts
A paragraph, she asked
Oh no this is not, no not
A minor tribute to
An Idea Man
Sometimes a tome
Must be condensed to a poem
The Jerry Kaufman Awards were established to honor Mr. Kaufman’s memory and his work as a playwright by providing recognition, encouragement and support to others. Your donation to sustain this program is deeply appreciated. To make a gift to support the Jerry Kaufman Awards, you may send a check to:
The Jewish Communal Fund
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for: The Jerry Kaufman Fund, #3941