…

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
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