Notes About The Poem

"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" - William Shakespeare.

Unwatered

'Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?'
Were I to be more truthful, and less kind
Once fair, your hair now more consumed by gray
Your dewy luster I struggle to find

As weighted toll of years fills in your frame
And roses on your cheeks falter and fade
I can not say if it is age I blame
Or from the fall of youth, a cynic's made

Is it my eyes too blighted to recall
The fragile beauty your face once possessed
No large gash dealt, only dying in small
Moments I turned away from your caress

Unwatered, our garden lies bleak and spent
Winter coating the stems where summers went.

5/14/21
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Watt Avatar
June 16, 2021 at 12:15 PM
Michelle, this is sublime sonnet writing. The shakespearean vibe is evident with the musings on aging, beauty, and love, and the metaphors of seasons and gardens, but overlaid with your own experiences and sensibilities. Loved everything about this; read it three times and will look forward to reading it again in the future. Going in my faves ~ John
Faulkner Avatar
June 16, 2021 at 6:44 PM
I am so glad for a visit from you, my friend! I thought of soupmailing you to let you know I had done another sonnet, but I know you're a pretty busy fellow these days; I am hoping you find some time to compose more of your delectable poems!
Peck Avatar
June 2, 2021 at 8:04 AM
I love this poem; I've made it a fav. You describe age and waning love so perfectly, it made me cry.
Faulkner Avatar
June 16, 2021 at 6:42 PM
I am very touched by your response, thank you so much, Ann.
Ligon Avatar
May 29, 2021 at 10:34 PM
Wow, great job on your unique rendition!
Faulkner Avatar
June 16, 2021 at 6:41 PM
Thank you very much, Juliet~
Kendrick Avatar
May 29, 2021 at 3:03 AM
Ahhh!! I like the flow, rhyme and rhythm of this one and the topic as well. Very creative use of the feel of Shakespeare's work. Thanks for the visits to my page. Sara
Faulkner Avatar
June 16, 2021 at 6:41 PM
I appreciate your visits as well, Sara, thank you!
Dietrich Avatar
May 21, 2021 at 4:13 PM
this is SUPERB sonneteering!! which contest did it win in? FAVE
Faulkner Avatar
May 29, 2021 at 9:30 PM
Thanks, it was for one of Brian Strands contests
Leffanta Avatar
May 18, 2021 at 11:52 AM
Congratulations, Michelle! Proof that thinking through an entry does make a difference! Aloha! Rico
Merryman Avatar
May 17, 2021 at 6:48 PM
Congrats on your win, Michelle! Blessings, Kim M
Alex Avatar
May 17, 2021 at 5:27 AM
Congratulations!
Wolf Avatar
May 15, 2021 at 7:48 PM
This is better than the original! Bravo, Michelle. FAVE time. :) gw
Theraven Avatar
May 15, 2021 at 9:29 AM
Michelle, 'I can not say if it is age I blame ~~ Or from the fall of youth, a cynic's made' This is a wondeful take on a familiar Sonnet. I've made the switch to a more sustainable, eco-friendly gardening. Giving back to mother nature via organic growing methods, fewer chemicals, and greener alternatives. Makes for a better mulch. -Richard
Hankins Avatar
May 14, 2021 at 9:01 PM
A fine parody on the Bard's sonnet, Michelle.
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