Sonnet for a House of Comedy and Tragedy

A house for Shakespeare must be of two worlds,

The world of rot, of death, decay, and bone,

And the world of love, of bouquets, veils, and pearls.

‘Tween life and death ever danced his tone.

A tragic tale with Hamlet and friends slain,

Or comic farce with altar dressed for vows.

Either a play of joy or play of pain,

Sobs or laughter when actors took their bows.

Some high windows through which to let in light,

He’ll need a place for bones within the yard.

A space to pass fine days and somber nights

A church it seems should do to fit the bard.

All the decor when one is to be wed,

All the soft earth when one is to be dead.