Shakespeare Has Risen

A conversation overheard between Shakespeare and his former muse.

"So many things hath turned to utter folly over the ages.
Hundreds of years since I've penned pages and pages.
What these ancient eyes of mine doth now conceive
plead, 'Return to thy grave, Bard, for here you'll grieve."

"In sooth, fair maiden muse, I know not why I am so sad.
Perchance to dream, is this a scheme or have I gone mad?
Enlighten me as to what's become of life as I once knew it.
Bitter dregs are coffee? Bring me tea or I shall lose my wit!"

"Fie to you and the darts of scornful glances from the eyes
of natives half-dressed. Is modesty held in compromise?"
It's accepted attire by everyone, nothing like in the past.
"I shall not rudely stare, but I find myself quite flabbergast.

What of the churl who spits venom into that man's face?
Doth women in this day act like shrews? What a disgrace!
Is not thy husband honored as both her lord and keeper?"
Women are equal. She looks at him like she's the grim reaper.

"The lady doth protest too much. That's what me thinks.
A goblet of ale tis what I need, and then forty winks.
That minstrel sings gibberish. Has he no pride in himself?"
He sings a Christmas song about an elf who sits upon a shelf.

"O, teach me how I should forget from whence I have come.
I do not belong here. I need a draft to sleep and benumb.
Romeo's poison was quick. Thus, with a tender kiss he died.
To chamber I betide to cleanse this stain I shall not abide.

Out! Out Damned spot!  Thy splotch besmirches as if blood.
Begone fore I hear my heartbeats pounding with each thud.
On the banks of Stratford-On-Avon tis where I long to be,
rewriting Romeo and Juliet so in the future he will decree...

To Juliet when she says, Romeo. Romeo, wherefore art thou?
The lad shall reply, "What do you want from me, you cow?"
Dear Bard, you mustn't change a word of what's been written.
For centuries women have read your lines and were smitten.

"I shall nary breathe a word of this ill journey to the future.
Thine lips are sealed forever more without need of suture.
Back to the grave where I belong, most gladly shall I return.
In eternal sleep, ne'er to dream of such time I did spurn."
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

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Delaney Avatar
February 15, 2023 at 2:44 AM
Good Morning, Lin: I really enjoyed this clever spoof on Shakespeare journeying to the future. So imaginative. It would have been a perfect POTD. Best, SuZ
Lane Avatar
February 15, 2023 at 11:22 AM
Thanks so much for liking this one, Suz. The contest sponsor certainly didn't. lol One person's opinion, and I prefer yours. I appreciate your generous comments.
Cunningham Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 10:12 AM
Oh this is brilliant Lin, Will would certainly have a shock if he came back. I live about 25 mins away from Stratford on Avon, his birthplace. Best of luck in the contest. Tom
Lane Avatar
January 12, 2023 at 5:56 PM
Oh that’s so cool, Tom. Most people don’t like his poetry or don’t understand it. McBeth has always been my favorite. Thanks!
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