If I Could Tell You

What would I tell you if I could? Late on Friday afternoon, after working all day on mindless tasks, I reached my limit and began reading poetry online. In such a state, listening to music will not soothe my troubled heart. Music catches in my ear and sets my imagination spinning. Poetry slows my mind down, makes me stop and consider each word. Auden's measured tone, his tolerance and compassion, are a balm to my dissatisfaction. He reduces the cacophonous babble in my brain and for that, I am grateful.

Dissatisfaction, the unwelcome companion, the pebble in my shoe. Where does it spring from? What does it serve? Nowhere and nothing; I'm not wise, but I know that much.

You pays yer money and takes yer chances. The odds are always in the house’s favor and you carry your bruises to remind you wherever you go.

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 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.

W.H. Auden