“Sonnet 71″ by William Shakespeare

April 23, 2012 | News

Today is the anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death (the 396th anniversary to be precise), so to honor the occasion in some small way I made this week’s poem “Sonnet 71″. He has many striking sonnets, of course, but one that begins with the line “No longer mourn for me when I am dead” seems all too appropriate for the day.

“Sonnet 71″ by William Shakespeare

No longer mourn for me when I am dead
Then you shall hear the surly sullen bell
Give warning to the world that I am fled
From this vile world, with vilest worms to dwell:
Nay, if you read this line, remember not
The hand that writ it; for I love you so
That I in your sweet thoughts would be forgot
If thinking on me then should make you woe.
O, if, I say, you look upon this verse
When I perhaps compounded am with clay,
Do not so much as my poor name rehearse.
But let your love even with my life decay,
Lest the wise world should look into your moan
And mock you with me after I am gone.

*Yes, I know that it is his birthday as well, but celebrating his death day seems a bit more interesting.