Michael Appelt

In this episode of Musical Poetry, we explore one of Shakespeare’s most intimate and contemplative works: Sonnet 73. Through images of fading autumn leaves, dying daylight, and a fire resting on its own ashes, the sonnet reflects on time, aging, and the deepening strength of love in the face of impermanence.

Join me as we journey through these powerful metaphors — from bare winter branches to the last glow of a campfire — and experience how Shakespeare captures the fragile beauty of life’s late season.

That time of year… thou mayst in me behold,

When yellow leaves — or none, or few — do hang

Upon those boughs that tremble in the cold,

Bare, ruined choirs… where once the sweet birds sang.

In me, thou seest the twilight of the day,

That after sunset… slowly fades in the west;

And soon, the creeping night will sweep it away —

Death’s second self, that seals all life in rest.

In me, you see the glow of dying fire,

Resting on ashes of the youth it spent;

Its warmth now faint, as flames grow ever tired,

Consumed by what once gave it nourishment.

And seeing this… your love grows deep and strong:

To cherish well… the one you’ll lose ere long.