Wherever I am girl, I’m always walking with you; I’m always walking with you, but I look and you’re not there.
– Cat Stevens, How Can I Tell You
I walked down to the library the other day.
On leaving the property I turned left and continued along the road to the end, so I could see clearly down all three roads before I crossed; checking for dogs.
At each road side I stopped and waited for you to sit, while I checked for traffic.
Once along the way I saw another dog across the road behaving badly; leaping in the air, circling the man, chewing on its lead. He was a massive dog that looked like a cross between a Ridgeback and a Boerboel and was way out of control. I instantly thought to check you, so you would not freak out.
But I look and you’re not there.
.
I first heard Cat Stevens sing this lovely song, How Can I Tell You, when I was a student. A housemate had the LP and I would play it often when they were all out. It doesn’t refer to someone you knew who is now gone, but rather to someone you never met, but the sentiment is the same.