But wherefore do not you a mightier way
Make war upon this bloody tyrant, Time?
And fortify your self in your decay
With means more blessed than my barren rhyme?
Now stand you on the top of happy hours,
And many maiden gardens, yet unset,
With virtuous wish would bear you living flowers,
Much liker than your painted counterfeit:
So should the lines of life that life repair,
Which this, Time’s pencil, or my pupil pen,
Neither in inward worth nor outward fair,
Can make you live your self in eyes of men.
     To give away yourself, keeps yourself still,
     And you must live, drawn by your own sweet skill.

Analysis

Sonnet 16 is a direct continuation of the sonnet before it. In it, Shakespeare asks the young man why he does not actively fight against time and age by having a child.

Will asks the youth why he relies on a poet to preserve his image, when anything an artist creates pales in comparison to the real thing. A poem is a sorry weapon against Time’s war machine. The best plan, he suggests, is to create a child. He should begin preparing for the battle now, while he is in good standing, and many women would be glad to help. In the end, only that which the young man creates himself can help him live forever.

Will’s Wordplay

“Give away yourself” is a reference to marriage.

“maiden gardens” are the many virtuous women who would be happy to “bear your living flowers”.

Bowery Graffiti Wall, The Bowery, Manhattan

“Keith Haring first splashed this wall in 1982, and it’s been a destination ever since. In 2008, it went somewhat legit when late real-estate man Tony Goldman took over the location, invited Os Gêmeos, Shepard Fairey, Lady Aiko and more to rotate murals. Crash’s massive Popeye mural, which went up in March [2013], succeeded the mixed-media collage of Tats Cru’s How and Nosm. While something of a serious artistic showcase, this wall is also steeped in street ethos.” — Kenny Herzog, Time Out New York [1]

References

1. http://www.timeout.com/newyork/art/street-art-top-ten-spots-to-see-street-art-and-graffiti-in-nyc

ACTOR – Devon Glover

Bio Coming Soon

DIRECTOR – Robert Manning, Jr.

Robert is a graduate of the University of Washington’s MFA Professional Acting Training Program.

Director: Robert owns his own production company with business partner, Scott Fernstrom and writes/directs theatre and film. Recent films include: Reunion, Stuck, Reticence…

As an actor – Television: The Blacklist, Person of Interest, Alpha House, Southland, The Unit, Criminal Minds… Films – Frogtown, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone… 2008 NAACP Theatre Award Nomination – Best Lead Actor, 2010 NAACP Best Supporting Actor nomination, 2012 NAACP Best Ensemble win for Pasadena Playhouse’s production of Blues for an Alabama Sky. Broadway – Magic/Bird.

As a director, www.alphaandomegafilms.com

As an actor, please visit www.robertmanningjr.com