Elena Maslova-Levin


  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Sonnets in colour
    • Sonnets 10-18
    • Sonnets 19-34
    • Sonnets 35-43
    • Sonnets 44-52
    • Sonnets 53-68
    • Sonnets 69-77
  • Found in translation
    • Life my sister
    • SILENTIUM
    • Erase the random lines away
  • Contact
    • Art of Seeing
    • Studio Journal
  • Vita
    • Geometry of colour
    • Poetry of colour
    • Nothingness
    • Connections
    • Burning Ochre
Home › Sonnets in colour › Sonnets 10-18 › Sonnet 15: The conceit of this inconstant stay

Sonnet 15: The conceit of this inconstant stay

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 check'd 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.

William Shakespeare

Sonnet 15: The conceit of this inconstant stay

March 2016


The background story for this sonnet painting on my blog.