John Hartford
Empty Afternoon of Summer Longing
As I look at you I wonder what would happen
If I brushed away the curtains of your hair
And quickly kissed you

And stumbling for some words to say
My mind goes spinning on it's way
With images of future days to miss you

And the sun is easing down as it grows later
And soon I know you'll rise and say farewell

And here we are imprisoned
In the empty afternoon of summer longing

Across this coffee cup I see a face
Now cloaked in mystery
While pondering this peace that could be violence

The night is fast approaching
And it's emptiness surrounded us
I'm pressed to make a move or turn in silence

You slowly smile across at me
I wonder if you're free to be in love
Am I too blind to see while hungry?
Or when you're resting by my side
In nothing but the night to hide
The lips that say I'm satisfied it's worth it

And an hour becomes a flickering of an eyelash
An undecided moment out of sight

And here we are imprisoned
In the empty afternoon of summer longing

You may be many miles away
Just living out some broken day
While just a picture of you stays and dances

The shadows streak the plaster wall
I'm nervous as I sit and stall
And wonder should I reach and take my chances

And night comes sneaking up on simple daydreams
I'll curse myself before the morning breaks
Yet here we are imprisoned
In the empty afternoon of summer longing