When I consider every thing that grows Holds in perfection but a little moment, That this huge stage presenteth nought but shows Whereon the stars in secret influence comment; When I perceive that men as plants increase, Cheered and cheque'd even by the self-same sky, Vaunt in their youthful sap, at height decrease, And wear their brave state out of memory; 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; And all in war with Time for love of you, As he takes from you, I engraft you new. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONNET: 50 by GEORGE SANTAYANA STILL, STILL WITH THEE by HARRIET BEECHER STOWE UNCLE SIMON AND UNCLE JIM by CHARLES FARRAR BROWNE A SUPPLICATION FOR LOVE, HYMN 1 by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING THE MOTHER'S HYMN by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT BLASTING ROCKS IN VERMONT by DANIEL LEAVENS CADY A LITTLE WRINKLED SOUL OF LOVELINESS by WILLIAM BYRON CHARLES |