The fifteenth century lyrical form of poetry known as the sonnet was the first standardized poetic form that allowed writers to express their emotions. Today in the twenty-first century writers continue to test their skills by using the sonnet. William Shakespeare's "Sonnet 73" is a sonnet that values life more. This sad, reflective poem helps us grip on to the meaning of life.

In the first quatrain the speaker sees his life winding down "when yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang"(L.2); he compares himself to fall where everything thing is dying before winter the beginning of new life, this solemn tone sets the mood of the sonnet. In line 4 he compares himself to the "Bare ruined choirs" that now have no life, they are gloomy with emptiness. The lovely melodies of the birds are gone; the music of life is gone.

In the second quatrain the...