He Is Gone and I Love Him Still

Note: This was written as a two-voice song lyric. One voice is the “He is gone” section.

      He is gone and I love him still
      He is gone and I always will

It was a lilting voice, rising over the rattle,
Gone as it began.
As the singer realized her song could be heard.
She stopped and stared at her hands.

Now she was humming, something somehow familiar
I closed my eyes to hear
Grabbed the pole and felt the car’s motion
She made everything disappear.

Now I was far from the clamor
Savored that trip for a while.
The singer, she stopped and I opened my eyes
She looked at me, a hint of a smile.

      He is gone and I love him still
      He is gone and I always will

I was embarrassed for having invaded
Her private act in that public space
We had our unique moment
She put me in her private place.

The train hit a curve and then it was slowing
And stopped with a screech.
She gathered her things, then she was going
She left and was gone from my reach.

      He is gone and I love him still
      He is gone and I always will

I was alone, packed with the suits and the tourists,
The song staying with me.
I closed my eyes and I was transported
To a place open and free.

Sometimes I walk and my mind starts to wander
The song is suddenly there
And I think of the woman who was the singer
And of that moment we shared.

      He is gone and I love him still
      He is gone and I always will