If I Could Tell You

W. H. AudenW. H. Auden

1 min read · 12.5K reads

Time will say nothing but I told you so,
Time only knows the price we have to pay;
If I could tell you I would let you know. If we should weep when clowns put on their show,
If we should stumble when musicians play,
Time will say nothing but I told you so. There are no fortunes to be told, although,
Because I love you more than I can say,
If I could tell you I would let you know. The winds must come from somewhere when they blow,
There must be reasons why the leaves decay;
Time will say nothing but I told you so. Perhaps the roses really want to grow,
The vision seriously intends to stay;
If I could tell you I would let you know. Suppose all the lions get up and go,
And all the brooks and soldiers run away;
Will Time say nothing but I told you so?
If I could tell you I would let you know.
W. H. Auden
About the poet

W. H. Auden

1907 - 1973/Male/EnglishA poet noted for his engagement with politics, psychology, morals, love, and religion, and variety in tone, form and content.

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