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If I Could Tell You by WH Auden

11/22/2008 11:00:40 AM
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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 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.

WH Auden


Read poems about / on: time, soldier, wind, rose, running

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Daniel Tyler (10/31/2005 10:56:00 AM)
The greatest poem of them all. Mysterious and beautiful. Time is explored with real intricacy here. Auden is a fine poet.
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11/22/2008 11:00:40 AM. You Are Here: If I Could Tell You by WH Auden

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