SONNETS

This sonnet reflects my big question because it talks about how love and value changes throughout generations. This particular sonnet was written by John Barlas in 1889, it is the fourteenth sonnet in his selection titled Love Sonnets.

"Sweet lady mine, behold this desolate world:

The little children go with weeping face,

And women, that sowed love to reap disgrace,

Walk the cold streets with lips grown cruel and curled:

Falsehood like lime into the dark air hurled

Blinds the dim eyes of men: in frantic race

For wealth, the noble are trampled by the base:

The red street runs, the red flag flies unfurled.

Sweet lady, kisses for a little while,

And then who knows what end for thee and me

Who cannot bear these things, nor walk these ways?

Ah make me brave enough with thy dear smile

For the truth's sake to leave both it and thee.

But woe for Love born in these latter days."