By: Brendan Fowles By way of explanation – There were days when Josh would come to work with a look about him – if you know what to look for, you could spot the signs – People would gather around him, in ones and two’s or little groups – These were the days when he had a joke he thought was funny they were so often not most were rubbish “Have you heard this one?” I bought a book – and I checked on line to find a poem to read today – Something to reflect the way I feel – but – Somehow they all seemed to – real – Nothing I wanted to say – It was all “look out to sea weep for me” or “the sun on a frosting dew the rain, when it comes it comes on cue” or “if I should go before the rest of you” nothing about the man I knew pssst come here – have you heard this one? Er – yes Josh A man to whom we owe so much A man who never seemed to tire Whose energy for teaching should Put us all to shame Never failing to inspire – Or light that little fire – To lead some teenager to believe – - And achieve – PsstHave you heard this one? Er yes Josh Do you remember the time…? Or what about when…? The stories would never end And that’s just me – just one friend. - There were hundreds of course All over the World – People he knew – and more who knew him From some seminar in Brazil or a Show in Berlin – He remember their names – and the places We ate – The people who compared – The times and the date How did he do that? PsstHave you heard this one? Er yes Josh I loved all the tales he never failed to repeat Of early Vidal Grosvenor House and Bond Street Of his time on the ships And the various trips To New York or Paris – “We blew them away in Paris we did – With the “Vail Haircut” The respect that he got and so rightly Deserved – from this one or that one Or the other – especially his brother - Whom he loved and admired – I know that, because he told me Psst come here – have you heard This one Er - Yes Josh The work with the “Alternative” Was so close to his heart It gave him a purpose Right from the start – Working with Tony And all of the stars – be it on stage Or not The effort he made – It won’t be forgot – Not by the families and the parents – And all those that he touched On those films that we saw – And watched in a trance On a day with the kids in Disneyland – France PsstDid you hear this one Er Yes Josh Rita, Maria and Joshie You must be so proud To have this man in your World To tell you children of how his life unfurled – To rise to the top of the profession he Chose – It wasn’t easy I don’t suppose But he did it with charm Without causing harm He did it with grace PsstHave you heard this one? Er Yes Josh Oh well – that’s it for me – I smile as I think …. “Just one more drink?” I can’t 8:06 Marylebone Station One last thought When I saw him last week And he found it hard and it hurt him To speak – he asked – “How is so and so doing in their test?” That’s how much he really cared He truly was the very best I am so proud he called me his Friend – night night God Bless PsstHave you heard this one – Er No Josh!