IF I KNEW WHAT POETS KNOW

If I knew what poets know,

Would I write a rhyme

Of the buds that never blow

In the summer-time?

Would I sing of golden seeds

Springing up in ironweeds?

And of rain-drops turned to snow,

If I knew what poets know?

Did I know what poets do,

Would I sing a song

Sadder than the pigeon's coo

When the days are long?

Where I found a heart in pain,

I would make it glad again;

And the false should be the true,

Did I know what poets do.

If I knew what poets know,

I would find a theme

Sweeter than the placid flow

Of the fairest dream:

I would sing of love that lives

On the errors it forgives;

And the world would better grow

If I knew what poets know.