decay, or the passing of time

we have a challenging theme at tag tuesday this week, it is "decay."  i had many thoughts of where i could go with this theme and nothing was resonating.  i started looking for quotes that included the word "decay."  i came across several things but it was shakespeare's sonnet xv that drew me.  the sonnet speaks to the passing of time from youth to old age, the enduring nature of love, and the holding of memories, even the freezing of time in the lines of the sonnet itself.  the sonnet is below.  so my collage piece is less about decay and more of an exploration of the passing of time.  my tag template is based on a version of a gothic arch.

all of the vintage images are from the lunagirl shop -- including the background paper which is digital art by lunagirl's karen -- and then a few embellies (border, butterfly and the flower at top) from alphastamps.

love to all.

SONNET XV
When I consider every thing that grows
Holds in perfection but a little moment,
That this huge stage presenteth nought but shows
Whereon the stars in secret influence comment;
When I perceive that men as plants increase,
Cheered and checked even by the self-same sky,
Vaunt in their youthful sap, at height decrease,
And wear their brave state out of memory;
Then the conceit of this inconstant stay
Sets you most rich in youth before my sight,
Where wasteful Time debateth with decay
To change your day of youth to sullied night,
   And all in war with Time for love of you,
   As he takes from you, I engraft you new.
William Shakespeare