lo, life's mysteries and wisdom, blythely you unfurled.
no university dare claim it's own
the truth, when through your pen such light has shone
brightly through the centuries your genius to the world.

slings and arrows of existence, perfectly defined
philosophers seem gossips when compared
their works unto the themes your words declared
perspicacity as broad as god's own frame of mind.

lo, such knowledge - yet avails itself upon the page
in sonnet of some century ago
or play, life's continuity to show.
timeless, such reminders still, to we upon the stage.

so with reverential awe, upon your date of birth,
suffice these simple lines to state in rhyme
my praise to you, tho far removed in time;
never from my heart, sweet bard, what ever it is worth.