If I Could Tell You

I apologize; I haven't had my act together when it comes to actually saying anything of substance about the poems I post. Half of me just wants to let art speak for itself, but then again, who am I to say that you should read something if I cannot articulate my own thoughts about it?

I haven't seriously explicated this poem yet, so I simply know that I like it because it evokes thoughts of the paradoxes of life. Even though it hurts (because it hurts?), it's still worth living.

If I Could Tell You
by W.H. Auden

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.