Jo

You made for a formidable figure
On the streets of Hackney in that hat
Big watch, sharp shirt, your rings
You were totally unique - I loved that.

You had some tales to tell
And you told them to me, it’s true
But it took a while to get to them - rightly so -
Until you knew me and I knew you.

I’d come to you Monday evenings and Saturdays
You’d be sitting with the littlest dog on your lap
I quickly learnt never to bring flowers
You made it clear you didn’t like that!

We shared a rollie outside the Empire once
After a show, when I’d had a tough time
You listened and drank a hot chocolate
And you didn’t tell me it was ok or I would be fine.

You showed me photos of you in the 60s
Dapper in a suit, by a lake, black and white
Shared stories of Dusty, the Gates and your nursing days
The horror of that one particular night.

You changed my life in those years Jo
It’s no exaggeration to say
Your life, your struggles, our shared history
Became a part of me I carry to this day.

I’ve shared your life and our friendship
With people wherever I go
How we were brought together by Opening Doors London
Two women… two women called Jo.