what comparison does shakespeare draw between poetry and monuments?

Shakespeare draws a parallel between mortality and eternity. 

He considers monuments--man made structures as mortal, which shall be destroyed and turned to dust, with the passage of time. Monuments serve only visual glory and will not stand the test of time, and will perish. The poetry, however, which the poet writes in praise of the youth, will serve the glory of the heart and mind, and will be preserved in the memory of man, to outlive all stone sculptures. Poetry will not be harmed by the wrath of man, of God or of nature, whereas statues and monuments can be knocked down by a single sweep of the sword.


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