Shakespeare Window, State Library of Victoria, Melbourne‘Not Sonnet 18… Yet’ and Other Poetry for Shakespeare’s Birthday, by Susan Jarvis Bryant The Society April 22, 2024 Humor, Poetry, Shakespeare 40 Comments . Not Sonnet 18… Yet I strain in vain to sparkle like the Bard. I strive to spill slick iambs by the ream. Comparing thee to spring in my backyard Just doesn’t thrill like Will’s lush summer dream. My charmless, tuneless, sunless, bloomless day Beneath a muddy, buzzard-busy sky Will never shake his darling buds of May— My glaring duds are always six lines shy… Is that my Muse? I feel her dazzle dawn. She’s dancing on my lawn with extra zest! Today will be the day a sonnet’s born. Today my buds will burst—I’ll give my best To thee. I’ll splash panache in doggerel’s eye With words so hot their blaze will never die. First published in Expansive Poetry Online . . Bard Fever Today I gasped at red-raw, scrubbed-sore hands Still flecked with gore and reeking of foul deed. I sniffed at perfumes mixed in mystic lands— They failed to mask the putrid stench of greed. I strolled where mercy drops like gentle rain From heaven with a suitor at my side. I heard a crazed king’s raging, clifftop pain. I saw a bookish wizard turn the tide. Today I witnessed witches boil their spoils. I watched a Scottish slayer whet his blade. I happened on the shuffling off of coils— The mortal sorts that wither as they fade. I spied a green-eyed fellow choke his wife. I glimpsed a yellow-stockinged popinjay. I mourned two star-struck lovers stripped of life. I sniggered as I heard a brash ass bray. Today I rode once more unto the breach With Agincourt within my eager grasp. I listened to an island monster’s speech While warning Egypt’s queen to dodge an asp. I heard a vengeful prince address a skull— Alas, a jester’s noggin—far from fresh! I paced then lounged by laden scales to mull The bloodless quiver of a pound of flesh. Today I met a raunchy, paunchy knight One pint from plastered at the Boar’s Head Inn. I felt the goosy fluttering of fright— A phantom at a banquet froze my skin. Today I braved a hunchback monarch’s glower, I learned that all that glisters is not gold, Call a rose a cow, it’s still a flower, And ink fills reams with dreams to fire the bold. Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow I’ll lean on leaves of iambs to assuage The burn for more frivolity and sorrow From him—the ageless sage of page and stage. . . Susan Jarvis Bryant has poetry published on Lighten Up Online, Snakeskin, Light, Sparks of Calliope, and Expansive Poetry Online. She also has poetry published in TRINACRIA, Beth Houston’s Extreme Formal Poems anthology, and in Openings (anthologies of poems by Open University Poets in the UK). Susan is the winner of the 2020 International SCP Poetry Competition, and has been nominated for the 2022 Pushcart Prize. NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. CODEC Stories:Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) 40 Responses Dave Etchell April 22, 2024 terrific stuff — the standard he set is so high– we mere mortals are lucky if we get somewhere near Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Dave, it’s always great to hear from you. You are right when you say, “the standard he set is so high” – I believe you’re up there with your ‘Sonnets from the Odyssey’ and ‘Sonnets from the Iliad’… you just need more exposure… right here, right now! Dave, thank you for your appreciation and your inspiration and please don’t deny the discerning readers of the SCP your genius any longer! Reply Roy Eugene Peterson April 22, 2024 It may not be “Sonnet 18,” yet it “sparkles” in ways that you so uniquely verbalize and adeptly rhyme. You have to be familiar with so many of Shakespeare’s works to traipse across his writings with such style and “panache.” Having these come to mind speaks of superior intelligence and the writing as always is skillful, masterful, and meaningful. The Bard would thank you for his birthday gift, as do I! Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Roy, thank you very much for your generous and encouraging comment. I am particularly heartened by your “birthday gift” observation. Shakespeare has had such a huge influence on the way I think about poetry and literature in general that I simply have to give him an annual nod on his birthday. I am utterly thrilled you approve of this year’s efforts. Reply Joseph S. Salemi April 22, 2024 “Bard Fever” is one of the best evocations of Shakespeare I have ever read. It is a real tour de force — and the last line’s unashamed use of triple internal rhyme to match the B rhyme of the quatrain is exactly the rhetorical fearlessness that Shakespeare himself would never shrink from. Both of these poems are excellent, and Susan Bryant is clearly one of the best poetic voices at this website. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Joe, I am over the moon to hear this. Thank you very much indeed! I have fallen in love with Shakespeare’s works for very good reason, and his literary genius becomes more apparent with every passing year. I am hoping my poems will connect others to his wonder. The world would be all the better for recognizing the power of outstanding literature. I hope my optimism isn’t washed away on a woke tide of idiocy. Reply Brian A. Yapko April 22, 2024 Susan, both of these poems left me wide-eyed with wonder and delight! “Not Sonnet 18…” is charming in its poetically-sophisticated nod to the Bard, but it is “Bard Fever” which truly amazes with its fever-dream montage of countless Shakespeare characters, from Lady Macbeth to Falstaff, from Hamlet to Bottom. Joe is right, of course… it’s a true tour-de-force of a poet who is not only familiar with Shakespeare but so very obviously adores his work. What is it about Shakespeare that inspires such passion in a reader? I wish I could put my finger on it because he inspires that same passion in me in a way that I simply do not get from other prolific writers. Perhaps it’s his almost unnatural ability to inhabit every character he writes, from Caliban to Cordelia. Your use of poetic devices is simply stellar and should be studied in those schools where people actually still learn about English literature. Your confidence in the use of rhyme, internal rhyme, assonance and alliteration is a joy to see, as is your liberal sprinkling of actual Shakespeare quotes. For some reason, your “raunchy, paunchy knight” gave me special pleasure. (For selfish reasons, no doubt. I played Falstaff in high school.) All I can say, Susan, is brava! I’d like to see a sequel! Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Brian, thank you very much for your much appreciated comment in words that let me know I have been successful in my personal challenge. I set myself the task of writing a poem in honor of the Bard without mentioning the names of any of his characters… and you have delighted me by naming a fair few favorites of mine. When you say your love of Shakespeare is perhaps down to “his almost unnatural ability to inhabit every character he writes, from Caliban to Cordelia” – I believe the fact you have an uncanny ability to get into the heads of those you write about and portray them with a realism that is tangible is down to him. He is the master of portraying the human condition in an entertaining and relatable way, just as you do. My high school English teacher told me that the plots of Shakespeare’s plays can be found in most Hollywood films and nearly every soap opera. What an amazing influence he has had and could still have… if his reputation isn’t destroyed at the strangling hands of wokeism. What a privilege to play Falstaff at such a young age. I have a feeling you did a sterling job. Down to your encouragement, I will most certainly write a sequel. Reply Jeff Eardley April 22, 2024 Pure genius Susan on the eve of the Bard’s birthday. We should be celebrating this, and St George tomorrow, but I guess it will all pass unnoticed in these woke days. Both are great to read, “Bard Fever” is a masterpiece. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Jeff, thank you very for your lovely comment. I am saddened to think of my homeland without a huge knees-up in honour of St. George and Shakespeare. My only hope is you reciting a few sonnets and getting everyone in the party mood with your wonderful music! Jeff, please tell me you’re brushing up on your Shakespeare for the big event! Reply Mark Stellinga April 22, 2024 Susan, I so wish I had the education required to fully appreciate the mastery of what you’ve penned here. Fortunately Joe, Brian, etc., etc. have already bombarded you with the well deserved compliments I would have attempted, were I able to, had they not. 2 more ‘WOW’s is the best I can do. These remind me of how poorly so many of us other poets, for the most part- typically pen. Priceless my dear – 🙂 Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Mark, thank you for reading and for commenting on my poems… poems I simply had to write because I am passionate about Shakespeare. I was brought up on Shakespeare. I studied his works at school and through university. I lived a train ride from The Old Vic, The Barbican, and The Globe Theatre in London. I also worked at Hall Place, a mansion house that had open air productions of his plays every summer, so Shakespeare became part of my life. I lived a mere 147 miles from his birthplace. I suppose what I’m trying to say is, Shakespeare surges through my veins and we all write about what we know. As poets we light up the page with whatever fires us to write. I am absolutely certain you know far more than I do about many subjects, and I look forward to the poetic education. Your “WOWS” are much appreciated. Reply Gigi Ryan April 22, 2024 Indeed she sparkles as she sprinkles rhyme; Her mind must be designing all the time. Her pen upon her paper runs and races As her verse the empty spaces graces. Her words display her wisdom winsomely We receive her bounty happily, God bless dear Susan’s wit and word finesse; With pride we prize this classic poetess. Dear Susan, You are an inspiration! I enjoyed these poems very much. I have only recently begun to appreciate Shakespeare (better late at 57 than never!) It was rewarding to recognize many of your references. Thank you for these wonderfully delicious poems! Gigi Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Gigi, what a beautiful comment with a sparkling gem of a poem I will treasure. Thank you very much indeed. I am so glad you are beginning to appreciate Shakespeare. I think the older one gets the easier he is to understand – I think wisdom gained through life plays a huge part in appreciating his observations. Also, anyone who loves language (as you clearly do) will benefit from the beauty of his. Reply Russel Winick April 22, 2024 Susan – he would approve! Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Russel, as ever you say so much in so few words. The impact is powerful, much appreciated, and has made me grin from ear to ear. What more could I ask? Thank you! Reply Phil S. Rogers April 22, 2024 Susan; Loved “Bard Fever.” I have just one word; WOW! Your knowledge of Shakespeare’s poems and characters is not only impressive, it shows a true love of his works. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Phil, thank you very much for your kind comment. I especially appreciate you spotting my love of his works… they’re well worth reading and I’m hoping some of my passion may rub off. Reply Paul A. Freeman April 22, 2024 I’m sure Shakespeare would have been very chuffed with Bard Fever. And Not Sonnet 18…Yet? Close enough. Reply Paul A. Freeman April 22, 2024 Since it’s Shakespeare’s birthday, I thought Susan wouldn’t mind if I put this link in to my humorous Shakespearean story, ‘An Elizabethan Tale’. https://everydayfiction.com/an-elizabethan-tale-by-paul-a-freeman/ The ‘Terry Jones’ in the comments section is the late great Python. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Paul, I don’t mind at all. The story is highly amusing and how wonderful to have such a revered celebrity in the comments section. Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Paul, thank you very much indeed! I’m smiling. Reply Cynthia Erlandson April 22, 2024 Shakespeare Fan-tastic! Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Cynthia, thank you very much indeed! I’m glad you enjoyed them. Reply James A. Tweedie April 22, 2024 Amen to all of the above with a double exclamation after Dr. S’s comment!! Not surprisingly, the Bard anticipated Susan’s talents: “(F)or she’s fair and royal, And that she hath all courtly parts more exquisite Than lady, ladies, woman; from every one The best she hath, and she, of all compounded, Outsells them all. . .” Cymbeline III 5 Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 James, thank you very much indeed. I am smiling at the Cymbeline quote, which has a little more to it than mentioned here. This is one of Shakespeare’s plays I found hard to get my head around. I studied it at summer school and watched the film starring the great Dame Helen Mirren. Many scenes caused me and the rest of the students to dissolve into guilty giggles. We felt less guilty upon learning that this complex play could have been a tragedy or a comedy. I’m tempted to revisit it and watch with a more mature eye. Reply James A. Tweedie April 23, 2024 The quote is taken out of context, of course, but with a little twist into the realm of poetry, it kinda works as a complement to you. And as for the original context . . . please excuse me as I giggle guiltily while trying to wash the damned spot off of my hands . . . Susan Jarvis Bryant April 23, 2024 Aha, an out of context “complement” that “kinda works”. My mistake was trying to pick out something bright from your barb not realizing it was a dagger I saw before me. Please excuse me as I ponder on all the perfumes of Arabia and remind myself that all that glisters is not gold. Daniel Kemper April 23, 2024 Susan, I always enjoy your consistently high level of precision and continual wordplay and sonics-play. These poems are pure — Susan! Sonnet 18 is a particular favorite of mine. I love you riffing on it. I think Shakespeare would very much enjoy poets working so hard at the things he mastered. I think Bloom’s sense of anxiety being necessarily involved when a poet engages his/her predecessors/precursors is blown up by you and your friendly, deft, collegial engagements with the classics. Always enjoy reading~ Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 25, 2024 Daniel, thank you very much for your appreciation and for your interesting observations on “The Anxiety of Influence” – I thoroughly enjoy focusing on the sunny elements of the craft. I have plenty of fun when I’m writing, and I always hope that shines through for the reader. I believe if one stands on the shoulders of giants (to steal a quote from Sir Isaac Newton), the vision of poetry’s future is inviting and infinite. It’s a sad fact that the canon is being torn apart bit by bit and truth and beauty are being replaced with the exact opposite. Reply Warren Bonham April 24, 2024 Fantastic as always. I am, like Gigi noted above, coming later in life to an appreciation of Shakespeare having begrudgingly read only 2 of his plays during my upbringing and anything I was forced to read for school got very little actual attention. I don’t know if you covered the entire waterfront in Bard Fever but it was amazingly comprehensive without losing the flow. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 25, 2024 Warren, I’m thrilled you enjoyed the poems. To answer your question: no – Shakespeare has so many engaging characters, I feel compelled to concentrate on Bard Fever II, III, IV & V for future celebratory days in his honor. I’m glad you feel drawn to his works at a mature age. I believe Shakespeare is lost on us during our student years when we have to read dry lines of olde English from dusty books that smack of potential boredom. I was lucky enough to have a great English teacher who acted every part with an accent to match. I thoroughly recommend Kenneth Branagh’s film adaptations… and I always like to hear Shakespeare read to me. There are some great audio collections out there with the characters read by some excellent Shakespearean actors. This allows you to slip into his dialogue with relative ease, and it’s most rewarding. Warren, thank you! Reply Margaret Coats April 24, 2024 Susan, I very much liked the structure of “Bard Fever,” with four feverish “Today” stanzas leading up to my favorite Shakespeare line, “Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow” in the half-stanza that functions as envoi. Assuaging your burn, the words have a much lighter and more refreshing tone than when spoken in Macbeth. The careful composition of the poem shows your own special appreciation for Shakespeare. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 25, 2024 Margaret, thank you very much for your comment and for your appreciation. I am grateful for your eye for the finer detail, and I am glad I included your favorite line. My favorite quote is “The quality of mercy is not strained…” – Portia’s words become more significant with each of my passing years. Reply James Sale April 24, 2024 You set the bar very high Susan: this is wonderful work drawing upon THE master! Indeed, contrary to modernism and Ezra Pound’s absurd adage, Make it New, drawing on the masters is the only way to create great poetry. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 25, 2024 James, thank you for your uplifting and perspicacious comment. You never fail to see what I’m doing and where I’m going with my poetry, and your encouragement has been invaluable over this last five years. For that I am most grateful. Reply Norma Pain April 24, 2024 I am a little embarrassed to admit that I never studied Shakespeare at all but Susan, your two wonderful poems have inspired me to at least try to read some of his poetry, hoping that even a fraction of his brilliance might rub off on me 🙂 Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant April 25, 2024 Norma, it’s always lovely to hear from you. Even though you haven’t read Shakespeare, I believe you have a golden gleam of his glory coursing through your veins… your poems brim with contagious laughter and a love of language the Bard would be proud of. Never stop entertaining us, Norma. This dark world needs more sunshine! 🙂 Reply Adam Sedia May 1, 2024 Both of these were delightful. Your sonnet makes a cheeky analogy (“not 18 yet”) to illustrate a profound and universal feeling about the Bard. “Bard Fever” gives us a tour of Shakespeare’s oeuvre. The narrative voice there reminds me of a groupie following a band on tour. Reply Susan Jarvis Bryant May 2, 2024 Adam, thank you very much for your appreciative and encouraging comment – a comment that has made me grin – I’m going to wear that “groupie” badge with pride! Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Captcha loading...In order to pass the CAPTCHA please enable JavaScript. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Dave Etchell April 22, 2024 terrific stuff — the standard he set is so high– we mere mortals are lucky if we get somewhere near Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Dave, it’s always great to hear from you. You are right when you say, “the standard he set is so high” – I believe you’re up there with your ‘Sonnets from the Odyssey’ and ‘Sonnets from the Iliad’… you just need more exposure… right here, right now! Dave, thank you for your appreciation and your inspiration and please don’t deny the discerning readers of the SCP your genius any longer! Reply
Roy Eugene Peterson April 22, 2024 It may not be “Sonnet 18,” yet it “sparkles” in ways that you so uniquely verbalize and adeptly rhyme. You have to be familiar with so many of Shakespeare’s works to traipse across his writings with such style and “panache.” Having these come to mind speaks of superior intelligence and the writing as always is skillful, masterful, and meaningful. The Bard would thank you for his birthday gift, as do I! Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Roy, thank you very much for your generous and encouraging comment. I am particularly heartened by your “birthday gift” observation. Shakespeare has had such a huge influence on the way I think about poetry and literature in general that I simply have to give him an annual nod on his birthday. I am utterly thrilled you approve of this year’s efforts. Reply
Joseph S. Salemi April 22, 2024 “Bard Fever” is one of the best evocations of Shakespeare I have ever read. It is a real tour de force — and the last line’s unashamed use of triple internal rhyme to match the B rhyme of the quatrain is exactly the rhetorical fearlessness that Shakespeare himself would never shrink from. Both of these poems are excellent, and Susan Bryant is clearly one of the best poetic voices at this website. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Joe, I am over the moon to hear this. Thank you very much indeed! I have fallen in love with Shakespeare’s works for very good reason, and his literary genius becomes more apparent with every passing year. I am hoping my poems will connect others to his wonder. The world would be all the better for recognizing the power of outstanding literature. I hope my optimism isn’t washed away on a woke tide of idiocy. Reply
Brian A. Yapko April 22, 2024 Susan, both of these poems left me wide-eyed with wonder and delight! “Not Sonnet 18…” is charming in its poetically-sophisticated nod to the Bard, but it is “Bard Fever” which truly amazes with its fever-dream montage of countless Shakespeare characters, from Lady Macbeth to Falstaff, from Hamlet to Bottom. Joe is right, of course… it’s a true tour-de-force of a poet who is not only familiar with Shakespeare but so very obviously adores his work. What is it about Shakespeare that inspires such passion in a reader? I wish I could put my finger on it because he inspires that same passion in me in a way that I simply do not get from other prolific writers. Perhaps it’s his almost unnatural ability to inhabit every character he writes, from Caliban to Cordelia. Your use of poetic devices is simply stellar and should be studied in those schools where people actually still learn about English literature. Your confidence in the use of rhyme, internal rhyme, assonance and alliteration is a joy to see, as is your liberal sprinkling of actual Shakespeare quotes. For some reason, your “raunchy, paunchy knight” gave me special pleasure. (For selfish reasons, no doubt. I played Falstaff in high school.) All I can say, Susan, is brava! I’d like to see a sequel! Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Brian, thank you very much for your much appreciated comment in words that let me know I have been successful in my personal challenge. I set myself the task of writing a poem in honor of the Bard without mentioning the names of any of his characters… and you have delighted me by naming a fair few favorites of mine. When you say your love of Shakespeare is perhaps down to “his almost unnatural ability to inhabit every character he writes, from Caliban to Cordelia” – I believe the fact you have an uncanny ability to get into the heads of those you write about and portray them with a realism that is tangible is down to him. He is the master of portraying the human condition in an entertaining and relatable way, just as you do. My high school English teacher told me that the plots of Shakespeare’s plays can be found in most Hollywood films and nearly every soap opera. What an amazing influence he has had and could still have… if his reputation isn’t destroyed at the strangling hands of wokeism. What a privilege to play Falstaff at such a young age. I have a feeling you did a sterling job. Down to your encouragement, I will most certainly write a sequel. Reply
Jeff Eardley April 22, 2024 Pure genius Susan on the eve of the Bard’s birthday. We should be celebrating this, and St George tomorrow, but I guess it will all pass unnoticed in these woke days. Both are great to read, “Bard Fever” is a masterpiece. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Jeff, thank you very for your lovely comment. I am saddened to think of my homeland without a huge knees-up in honour of St. George and Shakespeare. My only hope is you reciting a few sonnets and getting everyone in the party mood with your wonderful music! Jeff, please tell me you’re brushing up on your Shakespeare for the big event! Reply
Mark Stellinga April 22, 2024 Susan, I so wish I had the education required to fully appreciate the mastery of what you’ve penned here. Fortunately Joe, Brian, etc., etc. have already bombarded you with the well deserved compliments I would have attempted, were I able to, had they not. 2 more ‘WOW’s is the best I can do. These remind me of how poorly so many of us other poets, for the most part- typically pen. Priceless my dear – 🙂 Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Mark, thank you for reading and for commenting on my poems… poems I simply had to write because I am passionate about Shakespeare. I was brought up on Shakespeare. I studied his works at school and through university. I lived a train ride from The Old Vic, The Barbican, and The Globe Theatre in London. I also worked at Hall Place, a mansion house that had open air productions of his plays every summer, so Shakespeare became part of my life. I lived a mere 147 miles from his birthplace. I suppose what I’m trying to say is, Shakespeare surges through my veins and we all write about what we know. As poets we light up the page with whatever fires us to write. I am absolutely certain you know far more than I do about many subjects, and I look forward to the poetic education. Your “WOWS” are much appreciated. Reply
Gigi Ryan April 22, 2024 Indeed she sparkles as she sprinkles rhyme; Her mind must be designing all the time. Her pen upon her paper runs and races As her verse the empty spaces graces. Her words display her wisdom winsomely We receive her bounty happily, God bless dear Susan’s wit and word finesse; With pride we prize this classic poetess. Dear Susan, You are an inspiration! I enjoyed these poems very much. I have only recently begun to appreciate Shakespeare (better late at 57 than never!) It was rewarding to recognize many of your references. Thank you for these wonderfully delicious poems! Gigi Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Gigi, what a beautiful comment with a sparkling gem of a poem I will treasure. Thank you very much indeed. I am so glad you are beginning to appreciate Shakespeare. I think the older one gets the easier he is to understand – I think wisdom gained through life plays a huge part in appreciating his observations. Also, anyone who loves language (as you clearly do) will benefit from the beauty of his. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Russel, as ever you say so much in so few words. The impact is powerful, much appreciated, and has made me grin from ear to ear. What more could I ask? Thank you! Reply
Phil S. Rogers April 22, 2024 Susan; Loved “Bard Fever.” I have just one word; WOW! Your knowledge of Shakespeare’s poems and characters is not only impressive, it shows a true love of his works. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Phil, thank you very much for your kind comment. I especially appreciate you spotting my love of his works… they’re well worth reading and I’m hoping some of my passion may rub off. Reply
Paul A. Freeman April 22, 2024 I’m sure Shakespeare would have been very chuffed with Bard Fever. And Not Sonnet 18…Yet? Close enough. Reply
Paul A. Freeman April 22, 2024 Since it’s Shakespeare’s birthday, I thought Susan wouldn’t mind if I put this link in to my humorous Shakespearean story, ‘An Elizabethan Tale’. https://everydayfiction.com/an-elizabethan-tale-by-paul-a-freeman/ The ‘Terry Jones’ in the comments section is the late great Python. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Paul, I don’t mind at all. The story is highly amusing and how wonderful to have such a revered celebrity in the comments section.
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 Cynthia, thank you very much indeed! I’m glad you enjoyed them. Reply
James A. Tweedie April 22, 2024 Amen to all of the above with a double exclamation after Dr. S’s comment!! Not surprisingly, the Bard anticipated Susan’s talents: “(F)or she’s fair and royal, And that she hath all courtly parts more exquisite Than lady, ladies, woman; from every one The best she hath, and she, of all compounded, Outsells them all. . .” Cymbeline III 5 Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 22, 2024 James, thank you very much indeed. I am smiling at the Cymbeline quote, which has a little more to it than mentioned here. This is one of Shakespeare’s plays I found hard to get my head around. I studied it at summer school and watched the film starring the great Dame Helen Mirren. Many scenes caused me and the rest of the students to dissolve into guilty giggles. We felt less guilty upon learning that this complex play could have been a tragedy or a comedy. I’m tempted to revisit it and watch with a more mature eye. Reply
James A. Tweedie April 23, 2024 The quote is taken out of context, of course, but with a little twist into the realm of poetry, it kinda works as a complement to you. And as for the original context . . . please excuse me as I giggle guiltily while trying to wash the damned spot off of my hands . . .
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 23, 2024 Aha, an out of context “complement” that “kinda works”. My mistake was trying to pick out something bright from your barb not realizing it was a dagger I saw before me. Please excuse me as I ponder on all the perfumes of Arabia and remind myself that all that glisters is not gold.
Daniel Kemper April 23, 2024 Susan, I always enjoy your consistently high level of precision and continual wordplay and sonics-play. These poems are pure — Susan! Sonnet 18 is a particular favorite of mine. I love you riffing on it. I think Shakespeare would very much enjoy poets working so hard at the things he mastered. I think Bloom’s sense of anxiety being necessarily involved when a poet engages his/her predecessors/precursors is blown up by you and your friendly, deft, collegial engagements with the classics. Always enjoy reading~ Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 25, 2024 Daniel, thank you very much for your appreciation and for your interesting observations on “The Anxiety of Influence” – I thoroughly enjoy focusing on the sunny elements of the craft. I have plenty of fun when I’m writing, and I always hope that shines through for the reader. I believe if one stands on the shoulders of giants (to steal a quote from Sir Isaac Newton), the vision of poetry’s future is inviting and infinite. It’s a sad fact that the canon is being torn apart bit by bit and truth and beauty are being replaced with the exact opposite. Reply
Warren Bonham April 24, 2024 Fantastic as always. I am, like Gigi noted above, coming later in life to an appreciation of Shakespeare having begrudgingly read only 2 of his plays during my upbringing and anything I was forced to read for school got very little actual attention. I don’t know if you covered the entire waterfront in Bard Fever but it was amazingly comprehensive without losing the flow. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 25, 2024 Warren, I’m thrilled you enjoyed the poems. To answer your question: no – Shakespeare has so many engaging characters, I feel compelled to concentrate on Bard Fever II, III, IV & V for future celebratory days in his honor. I’m glad you feel drawn to his works at a mature age. I believe Shakespeare is lost on us during our student years when we have to read dry lines of olde English from dusty books that smack of potential boredom. I was lucky enough to have a great English teacher who acted every part with an accent to match. I thoroughly recommend Kenneth Branagh’s film adaptations… and I always like to hear Shakespeare read to me. There are some great audio collections out there with the characters read by some excellent Shakespearean actors. This allows you to slip into his dialogue with relative ease, and it’s most rewarding. Warren, thank you! Reply
Margaret Coats April 24, 2024 Susan, I very much liked the structure of “Bard Fever,” with four feverish “Today” stanzas leading up to my favorite Shakespeare line, “Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow” in the half-stanza that functions as envoi. Assuaging your burn, the words have a much lighter and more refreshing tone than when spoken in Macbeth. The careful composition of the poem shows your own special appreciation for Shakespeare. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 25, 2024 Margaret, thank you very much for your comment and for your appreciation. I am grateful for your eye for the finer detail, and I am glad I included your favorite line. My favorite quote is “The quality of mercy is not strained…” – Portia’s words become more significant with each of my passing years. Reply
James Sale April 24, 2024 You set the bar very high Susan: this is wonderful work drawing upon THE master! Indeed, contrary to modernism and Ezra Pound’s absurd adage, Make it New, drawing on the masters is the only way to create great poetry. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 25, 2024 James, thank you for your uplifting and perspicacious comment. You never fail to see what I’m doing and where I’m going with my poetry, and your encouragement has been invaluable over this last five years. For that I am most grateful. Reply
Norma Pain April 24, 2024 I am a little embarrassed to admit that I never studied Shakespeare at all but Susan, your two wonderful poems have inspired me to at least try to read some of his poetry, hoping that even a fraction of his brilliance might rub off on me 🙂 Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant April 25, 2024 Norma, it’s always lovely to hear from you. Even though you haven’t read Shakespeare, I believe you have a golden gleam of his glory coursing through your veins… your poems brim with contagious laughter and a love of language the Bard would be proud of. Never stop entertaining us, Norma. This dark world needs more sunshine! 🙂 Reply
Adam Sedia May 1, 2024 Both of these were delightful. Your sonnet makes a cheeky analogy (“not 18 yet”) to illustrate a profound and universal feeling about the Bard. “Bard Fever” gives us a tour of Shakespeare’s oeuvre. The narrative voice there reminds me of a groupie following a band on tour. Reply
Susan Jarvis Bryant May 2, 2024 Adam, thank you very much for your appreciative and encouraging comment – a comment that has made me grin – I’m going to wear that “groupie” badge with pride! Reply
