O Will, you were a boy always, but still a man!
So Time worked on you, as you knew he must.
You railed against him, and against his plan --
But Time has triumphed and your bones are dust.

You were a player who played many parts,
A playwright who could give them hands and feet,
Could give them lips, and animate their hearts --
Time looked at this and felt a small defeat.

You were a lover who gave voice to Love.
You suffered as all lovers do the while.
You lifted Love to lofty heights above --
Time was impressed and managed a small smile.

O Will, you were a boy of village, farm, and sod --
Time worked his way and made of you a god!

Copyright (2006) by Arnold Cantor.
All rights reserved.

[Written May 8, 2004, after completing the reading of all of Shakespeare’s 154 Sonnets.