Symbol Analysis
We don't ever find out the beloved's name in "Sonnet 75," but it sure is important. The sand-writing of her name begins the poem, and the name becomes a big ol' symbol for the beloved herself. The waves keep washing her name away, which reminds her that one day she will die, which causes the speaker to say: "Not so fast, girlfriend, I've got this one covered." What's in a name in "Sonnet 75"? Everything.
- Lines 1-4: The name appear as ephemeral and fleeing, as it gets washed away by the waves (twice).
- Lines 5-8: The beloved isn't afraid of being "washed away"; she understands that she, like her name in the sand, won't last forever.
- Lines 11-12: The speaker promises his girl that he has bigger plans for her; he's gonna write her name in his poetry and in the heavens. Take that, ocean waves.