John Hiatt

Our Time

John Hiatt


I traced your arms 
as you laid spread out 
on the Sunday paper
Looked like 
the crime scene 
of an angel ghost
I heard the gate clatter 
to on the elevator
I wrapped myself 
up in it like 
a cold beef roast

Fell asleep 
was cooked medium 
and placed 
on a dining room 
table in Brooklyn
Before an older couple 
surrounded by family 
and friends 
so wonderful and kind
I flashed back to you 
giving dollars 
to homeless men 
down in the bowery
Not before 
they convinced you 
it was for sandwiches 
and not for wine
I just could never 
convince you baby
This was our time
This was our time
This was our time

Now your feeding me fabulous 
Chinese takeout 
on the dampened bed sheets
Our last supper so you might say
I woke up in a cold sweat 
and realized we'd never cooked 
one meal together
You always said, 
"Why bother?" 
with the cuisines of the world 
laid at our feet here everyday

Then I thought 
of our first date 
back in Nashville
We shared the pupu platter 
you enjoyed it with such gusto 
I took it for a sign
We would have many happy meals 
together in a warm dining room 
somewhere maybe even
Brooklyn
That was way back then 
and I was just another guy 
with food on his mind
But this
baby this was our time

This was our time
This was our time
This was our time
What did you have 
In mind?
This was our time