A Villanelle for Didi As ever it’s your laughter that I hear, it’s with me now as, mourning you, I kneel. Remember that your friends are always near. The love your friends affirm is no veneer, and telling you exactly how we feel, as ever it’s your laughter that I hear. Scattered around the world, you know that we’re thinking of you, and while it’s not ideal, remember that your friends are always near Together we can never be austere talking of things more joyful than genteel as ever it’s your laughter that I hear. On days when terrors would not disappear. and fears that even you could not conceal remember that your friends are always near. And if I tell you that one thing is clear the bond that holds us tight is strong as steel, as ever it’s your laughter that I hear. Remember that your friends are always near. Written for Didi in December 2010 and read today at the service where we said goodbye to her. I forst met Didi when I was directing an animation festival in Cambridge and she was working for the National Film Board. We became friends immediately and over the years in Baron's Court, Fulham and Dolphin Square and at my homes in Cambridge and, latterly, in Norwich she enriched my life with her fun and real joie de vivre. So many wonderful meals together. And giggles and stories and laughter.