If I Could Tell You - W.H Auden (A Villanelle)

An abundance of first impressions settle remarkably well upon reading this classic villanelle by Wystan Hugh Auden. Most villanelles are, interestingly, revolving around themes of time and loss. Subscribing to a similar vein, Time continues to be a malicious tyrant of old, capturing the essence of loss. In particular, this villanelle - a common teaching tool in Literature lessons - draws a poignant analogy of that which is not mine, a parallel to a previous blog entry - If I Could Have Told You (click link to read previous entry). Indulge in this poem and be mesmerized.

If I Could Tell You
= W.H. Auden =
( 1907 - 1973 )

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 the lions all 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.