Too Late For Love - a Lost Love Poem
Too Late For Love
I knew you from our childhood,
You were the girl next door.
We’d play together every day,
I never knew the word “adore.”
When we were teens together
And hormones began to race,
This pimply boy desired you
But was embarrassed by his face.
Soon college graduation came,
My heart it swelled with pride
To see the smile upon your face.
I thought, one day you’d be my bride.
Careers beckoned both of us,
We had to move apart.
Friends and lovers came and went,
But you stayed strong in my heart.
Now we’re nearing thirty,
I can’t wait a moment more.
I ask you out to dinner
At a restaurant called “L’amour.”
The evening is romantic,
Our conversation flows.
I’m about to tell you how I feel,
Anticipation grows.
"I need to tell you something,”
Is what I start to say,
But you say, “First, I’ve got some news!”
My world just crashed that day.
“I’ve just become engaged,” you smile,
Showing me your hand.
I never saw the ring before,
My head was in the sand.
I should have told you how I felt,
I’d waited far too long.
I thought you’d always be there,
But I was very wrong.
I smiled and wished you all the best
As we hugged and said goodbye.
I’d wait until I was alone
And then my tears would fly.
Now you would wed another,
There was nothing I could do.
The love I’d stored within my heart,
I could never give to you.
Questions & Answers
© 2018 John Hansen
Comments
- Author
Thanks for the kind comment, Jo. I am glad you enjoyed reading this. Yes, many of us have experienced lost love in some way.
What a lovely poem, Jodah. Many, I'm sure, can relate to this story of missed opportunity.
- Author
Blondey, thanks for reading. It is not entirely true for me but based on a number of true events. Cheers.
Aw so sad is it a true story? Love is so hard sometimes!
Nicely done!
Aw that's so sad. Is this true?
Hmmmm love is so hard sometimes.
- Author
Yes, Neetu, it does happen that way sometimes. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Isn't it how things go sometimes? Good poem expressing love and loss.
- Author
Nikki, I am glad you enjoyed the story told in this poem. Thank you for your very generous comment. I appreciate that greatly.
- Author
Haha manatita, thanks. Actually, I had a couple of experiences like this myself too so I could put myself in the guy's shoes. Thanks for the generous comment.
Aww loved it, felt sorry for that man, but love always hurts.Sometimes it’s better not to get it, I think.You’ve described the story so well John, I loved reading it from beginning till the end.You’re a great poet John, I must say this and your poetry flows through a reader’s heart like a strong spell which changes whole imaginary for some moments.
aahh ....mushy, meaning that stuff that happens inside us, with these sort of news. Sorry Bro, better luck next time. (sweet chuckle)
Actually I've had a couple of experiences like that growing up. In one of them at least, it didn't happen, because I was too scared.
Another beautiful poem. In fact I love this one more, because you tell this rather 'touching story so well! Brilliant piece!
- Author
Thank you, Zuni.
nice
- Author
Hi Linda, yes I think it has probably happened quite a lot, and you are right loving from afar could be even worse, or being rejected.
- Author
Yes, Devika. It certainly is, and most of us have experienced it at some time.
Jodah, what a touching story, one that occurs often I'm sure. What is worse, loving from "afar" and suffering in silence, or expressing your love and being rejected?
It is disappointing or heart sore to have expressed or experienced rejection.
- Author
Paula, thank you for reading this poem again and trying to analyze her feelings as well. I think you are spot on in your observation that she thought of him as her best friend but he had more intimate dreams for the relationship. The men are from Mars, women are from Venus scenario it seems.
Hmmmm, Jodah & (Elijah) I took the time to read your lovely poem again, with even more focus. I have to say it speaks to me loudly and clearly of "his" feelings, hopes & dreams about her through the years. I could be wrong, but I feel strongly that "she" was fond of him as a friend while not hoping for a romantic involvement. They had very different views of their relationship, I think. Remember, women can easily be a man's platonic friend while men usually are more seriously attracted. By any translation, this poem is touching. :)
- Author
Thank you, a live. I tried to make it as real as possible. I think many can relate.
- Author
Ruby, thank ou so much for reading. Yes, it is all too common.
- Author
Paula, you do make good points. He couldn't be rejected if he had never revealed his feelings, but as Elija says in his next comment...it shouldn't be just the guy's responsibility to express his love. She had time to do that as well. You are right though, we shouldn't keep our love a secret or I will "wither in the shadows."
- Author
I greatly appreciate your generous and unsightful comment, Elijah. Yes, destinies in control.
- Author
Hi Jamie, glad you enjoyed the read.
So Real
This was so beautiful John! I know this has happened in life to many people. It tugged at my heartstrings. Well done.
A poetic experience we can all relate to. I was just thinking to myself, during my walk this morning, about whether I will have the opportunity to find someone to share life's goodness with.
I'm glad I found your poem. Thanks John.
My question to you, Paula, why must the boy make the request, aren't they both able to voice their desires or is following tradition more important?
This dear man was not rejected. A woman cannot reject a man who has made no request. How could she have known what was in his heart? For you see, it was the man who rejected the love in his own heart for this woman.
The moral of this sad story is, when we love someone so very much, we must tell them, show them and give away our heart. If we keep our love hidden in fear, it cannot be reciprocated but will wither in the shadows, as the object of our affection moves forward toward a light. :( Paula
Because Destiny has the last say
you both went a separate way,
Life is not what we want or see
It's about what destiny doth decree.
But it may not be too late
maybe in another incarnate
you two will meet again
when marriage is in the plan.
I've heard many such love story, John, but you make it sound so romantic to do it. I lost two much the same way but for me I know there will be no incarnating again so unless she is joining me in the millennium just after this world ends we swill never know each other.
I can't say it as well as you, a magnificent reading.
A wonderful read this morning thank you. Jamie
- Author
Eric, so sorry about that. I agree a happy ending would have been ideal....but...
- Author
Thanks, Bill. I know the feeling. As long as you found true love in the end is what mattered.
My heart is broken - thanks a lot dude ;-)
I don't have enough fingers to count the number of rejections I have experienced. This is one of those poems most of us can relate to.
- Author
Thanks, Chris. I would have liked to write one poem every day for the month but I have already missed a couple. I have written a couple for The Creative Exiles as well so I think I have done five so far which is a lot more than I have been turning out recently. Yes, not all endings can be happy unfortunately.
John, I was totally invested emotionally by the time I got to the end. I wanted a happy ending but knew it could go either way. You took it the right direction. But, ouch. We can all relate to rejection. Good poem. Are you writing one every day this month?
- Author
Mary, thank you for sharing that story and prove that even what seem as lost loves can eventually have a happy ending.
Haha Dear John Letter..my bad :)
- Author
Yes, it is sad Ann. But, that's part of life I guess. Not always sunshine and roses. Most can relate in some way. Thanks.
- Author
Yes, Flourish. You said it. It may make us uncomfortable expressing our feelings and fearing rejection, but better than never knowing. Thanks for reading.
- Author
Haha, yes I did get a Dear John letter, Frank. How appropriate. I appreciate that comment a lot. Thanks.
Such a sad poem but we have a friend who was born and baptized on the same day as the baby girl of the mother's best friend. They grew up together and everyone expected them to get married but it did not happen, One went to the priesthood and the other to the convent. Then, they each left their vocation and each married. Years later they met again and this time, freed from their commitment and with their love strong as ever, they got married.
How sad but so well expressed. We can see you sitting at that table, swinging from high to low - what a blow. Sadly, most of us have had something like that but to wait for so long only to be dashed is the pits. Great stuff!
Ann
This is a poem so many people can relate to. People need to express their emotions. Even if they get rejected, at least there are not years of what ifs. Beautifully done.
Jodah, You got a Dear John Letter from Li-Jen...LOL Hey a very moving poem my friend...it does stir... and that's one good thing about your poetry it does what it suppose to do...
- Author
Hello Li-Jen. Yes, it is quite a sad but common tale. We can leave declaring our love too late.
- Author
Thanks Charmaine....yes life and love was once much simpler.
Dear John, sad love story but I am happy that you shared the poem! Lots of people can relate to that. Smile! :)
Love...sad and sweet poem. You took me down memory lane when life was easy simple and hopes were high in love.
51