PoemHunter.com

If I Could Tell You by W.H. Auden

9/6/2008 11:50:39 AM
Home Poets Poems Lyrics Quotations Music Forum Search Member Area Poetry E-Books Sites Mini Quiz
 

POEMS

LYRICS

MUSIC

QUOTATIONS

SEARCH

   
W.H. Auden
   Poems  Comments  More Info  Stats 

 
 
<< prev. poem Poems by W.H. Auden: 6 / 22 next poem >>
  
 
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.

W.H. Auden


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

#264
in Top500
 

User Rating:

8.9 /10
(35 votes)



 
Comments about this poem (If I Could Tell You by W.H. Auden)  more comments >>
Click here to write your comments about this poem (If I Could Tell You by W.H. Auden)
 
Naveed Akram (1/22/2008 2:06:00 PM)
If I could tell someone something this poem shall evoke enough strength to come out with the right vocabulary and grammar and syntax. Most persuasive over its message, Auden lets us engulf ourselves in the poem itself, to ward off improper thinking and thoughts. To keep clean the mind is of maximum importance. To be patient is too important.
With outstanding romance and feelings of remorse the speaker is calling for a reasonable action to be acted. Inside the poem are words to shock, words that swing and collide. For instance, ‘winds’ are mentioned by the speaker of this poem to reiterate the pledge for allegiance. Winds will have to come from somewhere and this is easiness in accepting the truth, of why it was told so.
Imagery is the main trick of a poet, and here the images are presented well because they are driven by way of similitudes. These are perfectly matching, and show no contradictions.
Tash Goethals (5/18/2006 7:28:00 PM)
This poem is awsome! The structure, emotion and message it contains in unbelieveable. I love the sounds of the words.
All time fav poem!

Read all 2 comments >>
People who read W.H. Auden also read: Classic poets in PoemHunter.Com:

The complete list >>

Lyrics

The complete list >>

QuickPoll
Do you think it is easy to find the information on PoemHunter.com?
Yes
No

 Search in the World Poetry Database => 

 Search:   in:      tips
Hide the search box!

E-MAIL THIS PAGE TO A FRIEND - Found this page interesting? Recommend it to your friend! 
 Your E-mail:  
 Friend's Email:  
   
Your
Message:

 

(c) Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge..  About Us | Copyright notice | Privacy statement | Help
9/6/2008 11:50:39 AM. You Are Here: If I Could Tell You by W.H. Auden

Home | Poets | Poems | Lyrics | Music | Quotations | Forum | Search | Random Poem | Free Poetry eBooks | Contests | Sites |
Submit a Poem | Manage Your Poems | Contact Us

Christmas Poems | Love Poems | Pablo Neruda | Death Poems | Sad Poems | Birthday Poems | Wedding Poems | Annabel Lee | Sorry Poems | Winter Poems