Tuesday, February 21, 2023

That Time of Year Thou Mayst in Me Behold

                                                                                


I love this picture so much! John suggested it would be a good author picture if I did another book (which I do not have in contemplation.) I probably will make it my profile picture on Facebook.  It seems appropriate now that I'm an octogenarian.

Good grief. 

The following sonnet was in my mind yesterday. . . though I don't feel as gloomy as the Bard evidently did. 



That time of year thou may'st 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 see'st 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 see'st the glowing of such fire
That on the ashes of his youth doth lie,
As the death-bed whereon it must expire
Consum'd with that which it was nourish'd by.

This thou perceivest, which makes thy love more strong,
To love that well which thou must leave ere long.



6 comments:

Elizabeth Varadan, Author said...

Beautiful poem. And I love the picture! But, what? No more books in the works? Aww.

Anvilcloud said...

There is only one Bard. He requires no name It’s quite an honour.

Sandra Parshall said...

You have Josie to keep you young at heart. If we could all retain the ability to see the world through a child's eyes, it would be a blessing.

Barbara Rogers said...

Great FB portrait choice.

Cella said...

I love your portrait. Josie shows artistic promise. Please consider another book. I really love your writing.

jennyfreckles said...

Great profile pic - and a lovely poem. We're as old as we feel - somedays that's really old and somedays not so... Our grandchildren do help (as well as exhaust) us!