![](https://res.cloudinary.com/jerrick/image/upload/d_642250b563292b35f27461a7.png,f_jpg,fl_progressive,q_auto,w_1024/65d16ffed86a52001db3eaa5.jpg)
Love and beauty sweeten mortal being
And spice and ornament the lives of gods;
Without me, queen of both, brightly beaming
All chances at happiness face long odds
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/jerrick/image/upload/d_642250b563292b35f27461a7.png,f_jpg,q_auto,w_720/65d16ffdd86a52001db3eaa2.jpg)
You complain that I stray from your embrace
But soot and fire compromise my charms;
Your forge can make an armored carapace
But foul and stinking are your sweaty arms
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/jerrick/image/upload/d_642250b563292b35f27461a7.png,f_jpg,q_auto,w_720/65d16ffdd86a52001db3eaa3.jpg)
Consider how we divide means from ends:
‘Tis true, my way of making is not fair
But my will strongest iron quickly bends
My swords cause fearsome monsters to despair
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/jerrick/image/upload/d_642250b563292b35f27461a7.png,f_jpg,q_auto,w_720/65d16ffdd86a52001db3eaa4.jpg)
Love and beauty both exhibit frailty
What I create has more utility
About the Creator
D. J. Reddall
I write because my time is limited and my imagination is not.
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Comments (3)
Nicely done!
I always thought they were an odd pairing. Great inverse.
Whoaaaa, this worked so well both ways!! To me, even a sonnet is so difficult to write but to went a step further and made it make sense in reverse as well! You're freaking brilliant!