The Lonely Mind

It was the last week in the quarter
I doubt that I would ever see her again.
I felt like going up to her and saying
"Good by, it has been nice not knowing you."
And see the surprise on her face
Having never spoken to her before.
Or it could be disappointment,
Disappointment because she also wanted to have said something to me

I was with people, people were all around me
But I was alone
Not physically alone but mentally alone
Having no one to care and to understand
I look across the room and see her
Sitting there saying nothing, looking gloom
Thinking she might be alone
She too might need someone
But I couldn't say anything to her
She might laugh, she might not understand
So I say nothing, for nine weeks.
I sit silently watching her, hoping
Hoping she might say something
Something to me that would show she understands
But she says nothing
So I remain with people but yet alone
Being a lonely mind.

Larry Mixson, 1974