How I love William.

Throughout my life people have tried to teach me to understand Shakespeare.

Some have been more successful than others.

I have read books. I have a degree in Acting from Middlesex University.  I have been in various productions of Shakespeare and even played Hamlet.

I understand some of his plays better than others, in this I doubt I am alone.

Sometimes I don't really understand at all and yet the language still moves me, the rhythm, the words.

It can be quite a profound experience for me.

Hamlet is my favourite.  Endless brilliant quotes from various characters, that role off the tongue, speak truths and make philosophers of us all.

Today I wanted to share my favourite sonnet.  The language and meaning of which impacts me in ways I cannot articulate, and wont, so you can have your own response.

I will say this. I'd read and liked this sonnet for a long time before the day I read it and GOT IT, like a thwump in the heart, some flower opening up inside and releasing it's scent.

Enjoy!

Sonnet 29.

When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries
And look upon myself and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featured like him, like him with friends possess'd,
Desiring this man's art and that man's scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,
Like to the lark at break of day arising
From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven's gate;
For thy sweet love remember'd such wealth brings
That then I scorn to change my state with kings.