Editor’s note: Adira Rose Koffsky, z”l, passed away on Feb. 1 in Jerusalem. She was eulogized in this space last week by Dr. Julie Goldstein, director of Adira’s seminary, Amudim. Adira’s mother told us that Adira loved to write, and used her writing to tell both fantastical stories and share her thoughts on deeper issues. From her mother, Ann: “It’s funny to read her poem about being ‘normal’ because all who knew her well were utterly sure that she was exceptional. Adira always wanted to be a published writer, and thanks to The Jewish Link … now she is.”
You’re probably expecting something dramatic
Something ecstatic, something traumatic
To cry out your tears until you can’t no more
Thing is, my life’s kinda a bore
I’m as normal as anyone could be
I have good friends, and a good family
With two legs, and I use them to stand
Five fingers on each of my hands
Want to hear about my life plans
Of course you don’t
That’s the curse of being happy
No one knows a thing about me
After hearing this, would you want to stay?
There’s more interesting people not so far away
Broken kids you think you can fix
And heroes you worship, add that to the mix
And once you have this big, giant pit
Where do all the normal people fit?
I know, I’m being ungrateful
I don’t mean to sound so hateful
It’s just, when everyone tells you you’re special what do you do when you’re not?
There’s a moment in your favorite book
Where the troubled girl takes a look
At me and wishes she had my life
Free of troubles, free of strife
Then she carries on and it never comes up again
The normal girl gets forgotten
Cause you’re not the main character, you’re the life she longed for
A what-if and nothing more
Your fate was sealed long ago
So know your place and keep your head low
Next time you see a normal girl don’t walk away
Make her feel special for just one day
Because we want our own stories but try as we might
Normal girls just don’t get the spotlight
Donations for the Adira Koffsky Memorial Fund should be directed to the Eitz Chaim of Dogwood Park Rabbi’s Fund. Click on this link: https://eitzchayim.shulcloud.com/payment.php.
On the “Type” pull down menu, select “Rabbi’s Fund” and then write Adira Koffsky in the notes.
May Adira’s memory be a blessing.
