The poem
Since brass, nor stone, nor earth, nor boundless sea, But sad mortality o'ersways their power, How with this rage shall beauty hold a plea, Whose action is no stronger than a flower? O, how shall summer's honey breath hold out Against the wrackful siege of batt'ring days, When rocks impregnable are not so stout, Nor gates of steel so strong but Time decays? O, fearful meditation! Where, alack, Shall Time's best jewel from Time's chest lie hid? Or what strong hand can hold his swift foot back? Or who his spoil of beauty can forbid? O, none, unless this miracle have might, That in black ink my love may still shine bright.
I love this poem. it makes me weaze. i read it to my wife every night before we go to bed its been 12 years and she still weeps every time. i have asthma so it clears up my sinus when i read it. i also read it to my son every night hoping that one day he will grow up to be as great of a poet as Shakespeare. he has already memorized the first 24 sonnets and he is only ten. that is m-azing!!!!!!!!!