Numerology's Sonnet 66

The fourteen lines of “66” is characteristic of the sonnet form, however an initial scan of the shape of the poem illustrates an obvious visual deviance from the expected division of four stanzas with three quatrains and one couplet. Challenging our literal perception of what a sonnet entails, the entire poem appears to be one continuous paragraph. Yet when considering the title, numerology associates the number 66 with family, domesticity, and passion, relating back to the quintessential theme associated with the sonnet: love. This preconceived notion of devotion and wholesome love may invite the reader to view this piece as just another love poem, but a closer look into how the content and structure deviates from the traditional Shakespearean

This leads to a potential volta in line 11, indicated by “So then,” where the speaker commits to the “cut” (12), signifying the union to the beloved as well as permanent removal from the original roots. Metaphorically, this separation may also be symbolic of a departure from convention, whether that be from societal, familial or poetic traditions. It is thus important that the reader was witness to the speaker’s rational deliberation, and the final independent statement “I throw away the grafting knife” (12-13) creates a reassuring impression that the speaker is assured and resolute in their choice. The ambiguity of the beloved’s identity in this piece also implies uncertainty towards gender and may even be a beloved abstraction, such as a concept or dream. It is also unclear whether it is the speaker or beloved that is cut for grafting. However, rather than trying to distinguish these minor details, the speaker appears to also command the reader to stop focussing on these irrelevant uncertainties through the imperative to “Breathe, my love, and close your eyes” (12) because “The job is done” (13). After the predominant irregularities in meter, the final line is perfectly iambic pentameter and accentuates the beauty and happiness of the speaker finally arriving to a resting ground where “We are Already one” (13-14). The catalectic final line emphasizes the simplicity of this source of happiness, where the conventions of nature and tradition are of less consequence to the unrestricted freedom of choosing one’s passion to let “life slipped into life”