So in my goal to finish this poetry class, I've taken to reading poetry. I've been reading Shakespeare's Sonnets. I thought I'd share my favorite so far and then my version of it in modern language. See what you think and let me know.
Sonnet XLIII
When most I wink, then do mine eyes best see,
For all the day they view things unrespected;
But when I sleep, in dreams they look on thee,
And, darkly bright, are bright in dark directed.
Then thou, whose shadow shadows doth make bright,
How would thy shadow's form form happy show
To the clear day with thy much clearer light,
When to unseeing eyes thy shade shines so!
How would, I say, mine eyes be blessed made
By looking on thee in the living day,
When in dead night thy fair imperfect shade
Through heavy sleep on sightless eyes doth stay!
All days are nights to see till I see thee,
And nights bright days when dreams do show thee me.
-William Shakespeare
Dreams
Days are nights and nights are day,
When you and I are far apart.
In my dreams is where you’ll stay,
Filling up my lonely heart.
I wish to gaze upon your form,
But only in my mind.
This separation’s such a storm.
I wish I could go blind!
For then, I’d see you constantly,
Even when you're afar,
I'd hold you close and tenderly,
My reality is bizarre.
When I open my eyes,
I’m reminded of our truth,
I’m so sad, my heart cries,
Our wedding bands, the only proof.
I pray the time flies by,
Then we’ll be together,
Until then I’ll dream sky high,
Embraced by them, you’ll be forever.
-A. D. Swader
