Today marks four hundred years since the death of William Shakespeare. Legendary playwright, accomplished poet, Eskimo Brother of Chris Martin…What better way to honour the immortal bard than with a sonnet?
Four Hundred Years
He drew the crowds from London’s filthy pits
Of bears and dogs and men all stained with blood,
To stand and watch wise fools parade their wits
And fallen kings, betrayed, die in the mud.
His words bewitched our tongues and grew his fame.
Our land and language spread and learned to swagger.
This brave new world still echoed with his name
And proved the pen as mighty as the dagger.
Enduring might may prove more foul than fair.
Still nations bleed, although their wealth abounds.
We seek an exit (pursued by a bear).
Markets are freedom; flesh sold by the pound.
Four hundred years his bones have lain unmoved:
Their home not so much changed, much less improved.
Sophie Sharp, 2016.
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