Shakespeare's Sonnets: XV

Whether a plant or an animal (and man), all things are subject to the laws of nature: first bloom, growth, decline, death. In a slight difference from the other sonnets in which the poet urges the young man to marry and have children so to carry on his memory, the poet now suggests that he in writing about the youth can “engraft” or cause him to be remembered by his poem.

Sonnet XV

When I consider every thing that grows

Holds in perfection but a little moment,

That this huge stage presenteth nought but shows

Whereon the stars in secret influence comment;

When I perceive that men as plants increase,

Cheered and checked even by the self-same sky,

Vaunt in their youthful sap, at height decrease,

And wear their brave state out of memory;

Then the conceit of this inconstant stay

Sets you most rich in youth before my sight,

Where wasteful Time debateth with decay

To change your day of youth to sullied night,

                And all in war with Time for love of you,

                As he takes from you, I engraft you new.