Epicurean Sonnet (on comparison) Do we not seek shelter from the winter wind, Yet welcome autumn's cool refreshing breeze? Yet moderation's grievous discipline, Where wine's fitting line be too ill-conceived. In winter seeking sunlight on our face. In summer hiding if we can in shade. Though born as we are craving love's embrace, Will not love's joy fade e'er the more you've made? Warm baths in winter sooth our weary souls, While icy streams relieve in summertime. Though conversation be so ever droll, What ghoul never finds silence more sublime? In temperature, comfort's easy to know. Yet any extreme's wretchedness will show. Skeptical Sonnet (on perspective) As views beheld from distant mountain tops Show lines and forms invisible from in The valleys' furrowed folds and winding stops, They hide that grime which oft provokes chagrin. As leagues seem feet and soaring cliffs but steps, The seer feels he soars as if a bird. Yet should he measure his related breadth, He should know himself hardly more than worm. As drafts show their hues lacking other sense, They hide the strain obliged to mount such height. Though eyes see far where forest is not dense, We live and die by our arm's length and might. Perceived illusion has so much to teach Of beauty that is ever out of reach. Cynical Sonnet (on evolution) Adorned in satin, silk, or sable fur, Inhabiting forts, courts or citadels, One may think it shows thee be not a cur, Though dog eat dog has fared thee just as well. In calculation, incred'bly adept Though what to count be not always so clear. Accumulating the things we have kept Has likely cost much we'd have held more dear. Attached to our ambitious feelings first, Whilst bumping shoulders yet amid the herds,