Loss and grief: Shakespeare also writes extensively about loss and grief in his poems. Many of his sonnets are elegies for people he has lost, such as his friend and patron Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton. Other poems, such as "When in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes" and "The Rape of Lucrece," explore the pain of loss and the ways in which it can affect people's lives.
Time and mortality: Shakespeare's poems also frequently reflect on the passage of time and the inevitability of death. Some of his most famous poems on these subjects include "Sonnet 73" ("That time of year thou mayst in me behold"), "Sonnet 129" ("The expense of spirit in a waste of shame"), and "The Sonnets" (a collection of 154 sonnets that explore a wide range of themes, including time and mortality).
Nature: Shakespeare also uses nature as a source of imagery and inspiration in his poems. He often describes the natural world in rich detail, and he uses it to symbolize human emotions and experiences. For example, in "Sonnet 73" he compares the aging process to the changing seasons, and in "The Rape of Lucrece" he uses the imagery of a storm to represent the violence of sexual assault.
Reputation and legacy: Shakespeare also explores the themes of reputation and legacy in his poems. Many of his sonnets are addressed to a young man (often referred to as the "Fair Youth") and they encourage the young man to achieve fame and immortality through his poetry. Other poems, such as "The Phoenix and the Turtle," celebrate the enduring power of love and friendship.