Fortunate I, very recently, to come across a copy of The Sonnets by William Shakespeare, and to not only re-discover the magic of the bard’s words, but also the interpretation and analysis of a complete stranger.
  In curiously tidy printing (in both pencil and ink) within the pages of the hardcover are passages of marginalia, contrasting or calling into question the poet’s words. Perhaps the book was a text used in university study, or maybe just a strong interest or Sunday pastime, but the notes are a total reminder of how we all interpret words and statements within our own realm or context.
  Although the interpretations, at certain points, differ to my take (though my eyes have been opened to another way of looking at certain aspects of Shakespeare’s work) it reinforces my point that every poem may provide a new meaning for each reader.
  In fact, one of the wonders of language itself is its ability to take on varied meanings, depending on use or phrasing. In that, it is both exciting and confusing.
  Shakespeare himself is considered both exciting, and confusing. Some of that comes more from getting past the language of the day than true meaning. Those of you who may still feel the hangover of studying Macbeth or Twelfth Night in Grade 12 English, would be encouraged to look at the man’s sonnets, where storyline is limited to 14 lines. Perhaps his style is more easily digested in the non-dramatic works, or in small doses.
  Words are an amazing thing — for both what they say and don’t say — in our day-to-day reading or general communication. Sometimes saying what you think and saying what you mean are two separate and distinct things.
 Sometimes, whether marginalia is provided or not, you have to read between the lines.
04/10/17                                                             j.g.l.