Sonnet 13 (Shakespeare)

A Sonnet (or short poem) from a collection written by William Shakespeare, published in 1609. #13 Synopsis: The poet argues that the young man, in refusing to prepare for old age and death by producing a child, is like a spendthrift who fails to care for his family mansion, allowing it to be destroyed by the wind and the cold of winter.   O, that you were your self! But, love, you are No longer yours than you yourself here live; Against this coming end you should prepare, And your sweet semblance to some other give. So should that beauty which you hold in lease Find no determination; then you were ⌜Your⌝ self again after yourself’s decease When your sweet issue your sweet form should bear. Who lets so fair a house fall to decay, Which husbandry in honor might uphold Against the stormy gusts of winter’s day And barren rage of death’s eternal cold?  O, none but unthrifts, dear my love, you know.  You had a father; let your son say so. (Project Gutenberg, Public Domain)