When I consider everything that grows
Holds in perfection but a little moment,
That this huge stage presenteth nought but shows
Whereon the stars in secret influence comment;
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When I perceive that men as plants increase,.
Cheered and checked even by the self-same sky,
Vaunt in their youthful sap, at height decrease,
And wear their brave state out of memory;
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Then the conceit of this inconstant stay
Sets you most rich in youth before my sight,
Where wasteful time debateth with decay
To change your day of youth to sullied night,
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And all in war with Time for love of you,
As he takes from you, I engraft you new.
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Today, April 23, marks Shakespeare’s "official” birthday/death day.
(The actual day of birth is unknown, but he was baptised on April 26; a three day interval between birth and baptism being typical.)
One of many Sonnets where the poet wrote of extending the life of the beloved;
ironically, the name of the subject remains mysterious;
but rereading or reciting, we “engraft” the quintessential English poet with new life...
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William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
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Prior CPG diaries featuring Shakespeare's Sonnets:
Sonnets 1, 129, and 154 (with “Shakespeare's Mysterious Offstage Life” by officebss)
Sonnets 20 and 63: Un-Straightwashing Shakespeare?
Sonnet 23: “What silent love hath writ”
Sonnet 21: “O let me true in love but truly write”
Sonnet 65: “Nor brass, nor steel, nor earth nor boundless sea”
Sonnet 73: "That time of year thou mayst in me behold”
Sonnet 109: “Oh never say that I was false of heart”
Sonnet 116: “Let me not to the marriage of true minds”
Sonnet 124: “If my dear love were but the child of state”
Sonnets 127 and 132: “Beauty herself is black”
Sonnet 138: “I do believe her, though I know she lies”
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Other recent Shakespeare diaries, by officebss:
Lend Me Your Ears Part 1 — Shakespeare’s Songs and Poetry
Lend Me Your Ears Part 2 — Hearing Shakespeare (published just today!)
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More about gardening in Shakespeare's day
More on DKos:
Classic Poetry Group
FreeWriters
Readers and Book Lovers (with full schedule of literary diaries)
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FOOTNOTE: Despite being a steadfast “Shakespeare wrote Shakespeare” adherent, some time ago I planned to do a diary on “who wrote Shakespeare,” just for interest’s sake.
Still intend to follow through, but for the present, suppose we just let the poet have this day? :-)