W. H. Auden

Villanelle

Time can 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 can 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 can 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 all the brooks and soldiers run away?
Time can say nothing but I told you so.
If I could tell you, I would let you know.
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