fifty five

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