The March of Death – Wyleian Sonnet CCLII
Death stalks across the furrowed fields of life
and, one by one, cuts down both foe and friend.
None can escape for long their destined end
nor hope to circumvent the winnowing knife.
He garners both the aged and infirm
but harvests also heedless youth and blithe.
The years fall silent as his sweeping scythe
cuts off the thread of life and ends its term.
Defiant of most careful calculation,
Death’s estimated timing none may know.
No preference or favour does he show
to those of high estate or humble station.
Man can but hope the means of his decease
is such that he departs this life in peace.
Hugh Wyles, April 7th. 2009
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This is WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!! Have you read my poem Time? it's not a sonnet, but it discusses much the same issues in a similar fashion. Yours ends on a more harmonious note. I agree with Hawkeslake, the last couplet has an enduring sweep.
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Like pixiestix, for me this hits very close to home. Very skillfully and beautifully written, with the last couplet particularly strong.
Lita
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This is especially poignant for me having just experienced the untimely and sudden loss of a friend who was young by most standards.
Living each moment to the fullest is the only thing we can do.
Beautifully written sonnet Hugh.
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Dear Hugh,
Death is something we all have in common, no matter whether we are rich or poor, King or beggar we all have to go sometime. Your Sonnet describes it perfectly and it's another wonderful poem to your Wyleian collection.
Love Bea
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An excellent sonnet, and true too. Well expressed and definitely something we can all relate to.
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