Flower Songs

Theiratextsaare three Shakespeare Sonnets, numbers 98, 99 and 54. aAs in many sonnets, the poet is addressing his beloved in eloquent and colorful metaphor. The first one of longing for his beloved from whom he has been absent, and the flowers solace and memories of her "shadow." The second portrays various flowers as thieves awho have stolen color, textures and even the sweet breath of the poet's beloved. The third song compares real roses to dog-rose or canker, a pitiful imitation of a true rose. The canker, though red, fades quickly and lacks the perfumed bouquet of the true rose. True indeed for the message is one of truth and beauty. The three sonnets of Shakespeare are expertly set revealing John White's deep understanding of the human voice and of poetic imagery.a