Sonnet 73 That time of year thou mayst in me behold

That time of year thou mayst in me behold,
When yellow leaves, or none, or few do hang
Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,
Bare ruin'd choirs where late the sweet birds sang.
In me thou seest the twilight of such day
As after sunset fadeth in the west,
Which by and by black night doth take away,
Death's second self that seals up all in rest.
In me thou seest the glowing of such fire
That on the ashes of his youth doth lie
As the death-bed whereon it must expire,
Consumed with that which it was nourished by.
This thou perceiv'st, which makes thy love more strong,
To love that well which thou must leave ere long.

Translation: 
Rate this poem: 

Reviews

No reviews yet.

Comments

Volsebnik's picture

A poet suggest that the older he gets his lover will love him more, because his aging will be a reminder of his mortality and immanent death.
On the other more cheerful note - some critiques are saying that this is a testament of a true love that will endure the poets decrepit state.

No matter how you read it, this is the love song, and one of the most beautiful Shakespears sonnets.

Report SPAM