Every morning for the thirteen years he was on Law & Order, Jerry Orbach wrote his wife a short love poem and placed it next to her coffee cup before he left for work.

Over the years Jerry wrote hundreds of notes -- all of which Elaine cherished and preserved. Now dozens of Jerry's most meaningful poems to Elaine, along with stories from his amazing career and their enduring romance, tell the tale of their life together. With essays from some of Jerry's dearest friends and a foreword by Sam Waterston, Elaine created a collection of funny and moving poetry and a tribute to a wonderful marriage and a dearly loved man.

The world remembers Jerry as a legendary Broadway actor, Baby's father in Dirty Dancing, and of course the wisecracking detective Lenny Briscoe on Law & Order. But to his widow, Elaine, Jerry was a poet...and the love of her life.

Jerry Orbach appeared on Broadway more than any actor in Broadway history, appearing in The Fantasticks, 42nd Street, and Promises, Promises. He appeared in several films, including Dirty Dancing and Crimes and Misdemeanors. On TV, he starred in his own series before joining the cast of Law & Order. Jerry passed away in 2004.

Elaine Orbach attended George Balanchine’s School of the American Ballet. After a year of training, she headed to Broadway for a twenty-year career. When Bob Fosse asked Elaine to stand by for the role of Velma Kelly in the original production of Chicago, she met Jerry Orbach. Three years later they were married and she chose to hang up her dancing shoes.