Posted by SONNET CLV on June 08, 19100 at 01:25:20:

In Reply to: I need to write an essay yzing sonnet 128 posted by roxana chevez on June 05, 19100 at 00:42:01:

Perhaps the most "musical" of Shakespeare's sonnets ... Number 128.

Here's a rough paraphrase:

How often, when you, who are "my" music, play music on that blessed al [an old keyboard instrument like a small harpsichord], creating wondrous sounds beneath your sweet fingers, striking the strings, producing fine harmonies that amaze me, do I envy those keys that nimbly leap to the opportunity to kiss your fingers and hand, while my poor lips, which should be the ones kissing your hand, stand here to the side, blushing at the keyboard's good fortune.
My lips would change into those keys, if they could, for the opportunity to be caressed by your hands' gentle touch, bringing that dead wood to life and bestowing it with greater blessing than has my living lips.
Since those bold, saucy wooden keys of the instrument are so pleased to kiss your hands, allow them to do so; give me, instead, your lips to kiss.

As always, the paraphrase is never quite so beautiful as is the original poem. And that's what poetry is all about.

-- SONNET CLV --

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• Re: I need to write an essay yzing sonnet 128 MouRNinGloRY 12:05:14 10/25/100 (0)

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