Here's why:
* The speaker rejects the idea of physical monuments as lasting memorials. They believe that marble and gold, though impressive, will eventually decay and be forgotten.
* The poem emphasizes the power of words and the spoken word. The speaker expresses a desire to be remembered through the "sweet breath" of loving verses, which will "outlive" both physical monuments and the writer themselves.
* The poem celebrates the enduring power of true love. The speaker believes that the love they feel will live on in the hearts of those who cherish it, even after their physical death. This love will "embalm" their memory and ensure they are never forgotten.
In essence, the poem argues that the most lasting memorials are not made of stone or gold, but rather of the enduring love and memory of those we leave behind.