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 the clowns put on their show,
If we could stumble when the musicians play,
Time will say nothing but I told you so.
There are no fortunes to be sold, 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 reason 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 the lions all get up and go,
And 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.
by W.H. Auden