Akoot Famous Writers

If I Could Tell You


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.

Written by W. H. Auden (1907-1973)

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W. H. Auden Poets Page