This is the third poem I have written for our good friends the Kleins, who we met 
in 1978 in Israel. The first (so far lost) was when Morris turned 40 in the spring of 
1979. The second was when Melissa (now a rabbi) got bat mitzvahed. I didn't include 
it here because it was a candle lighting poem that briefly referred to people I mostly 
didn't know but had described to me.

This poem is light in tone. So many words rhyme with either Klein or Sue that it 
was relatively easy to write. I think Sue enjoyed it and it was a surprise.  A short 
time later, Morris turned 65 and I had a much harder time writing a poem for him. 
But more of that later.

Sexty Sixty Susan Klein


This is no tale of lost romance
The fire now has deeper hue
This is no prayer for one more chance
Who needs one when we're here with Sue.

A lady with a heart of gold
This gal tonight with whom we dine
Her shining eyes that ne'er grow old
Still claim the heart of Morris Klein

They raised two children, M & M
Their names are quite well known to you
How hard it was to part from them
When you're a mother much like Sue
But they're now up and on their own
And each of them is doing fine
Look how wonderfully they've grown
Much credit goes to Susan Klein

Los Alamos is left behind
Wide-open land with skies so blue
In DC now is where you'll find
Morris, smog, and lovely Sue

The day we met in Israel
I knew you were the finest wine
And that's the way that I still feel
With each and every single Klein
Each of you is kind and bright
And has a spirit pure and true
When you're around the world feels right
I wish more folks were touched by Sue.

Before we all join in a toast
I have to add another line
Perhaps a wee bit of a roast
About a quirk of Susan Klein

You wear your pacer as I talk
In hopes you'll lose a pound or two
But it only works when you walk
And not at feasts like this one, Sue.


I've said enough but one last boast
I'm proud that you're a friend of mine
So let's raise glasses in this toast
To the sexty sixty Susan Klein

Stan Gedzelman
01 March 2003