Too Late For Love - a Lost Love Poem

John has been writing poetry since his school days. He was awarded the "Best Poet 2014 and 2021" Hubby Awards.

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.

© 2018 John Hansen

Comments

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on February 13, 2020:

That's true Paula. Sadly, it just wasn't meant to be. thank you for reading and commenting. Peace.

Suzie from Carson City on February 13, 2020:

Awww,,,,,So sad. Apparently, the Universe had other plans for this young man. Fate is stronger than our desires, it appears. Happens to the best of us! Peace, Paula

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on February 12, 2020:

Thank you Brenda. I will check those out. It will be good to share a few poems with a new audience.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on February 12, 2020:

Thank you Brenda. Glad you could picture this as it unfolded.

BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on February 12, 2020:

John,

I copied this onto page i created on FB..poets with a voice. https://www.facebook.com/poetswithavoice/

I also created a group called Sparklecity Poetry Group. You can post poetry here anytime.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1017041218668840/

BRENDA ARLEDGE from Washington Court House on February 12, 2020:

John,

This poem is so surreal.

I can picture each part.

A great read...even if he does not get the girl.

Thsnks for sharing.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on July 27, 2018:

Shauna, so glad this managed to tug at the heartstrings. Glad it wasn't me.

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on July 27, 2018:

Oh, man! Better late than sorry certainly doesn't apply to this couple. I feel for this poor young man's broken heart.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 28, 2018:

Oh, Missy, that is a big compliment. I am glad this poem gave you a similar feeling to the romantic tearjerker type movies :) Feel free to read this over and over again lol

Missy Smith from Florida on April 28, 2018:

So pretty, Jodah, perfect poetry! It reads like a movie shared through poetry. One of those we love, but the happy ending left us in a dire state for weeks, which makes it all the more real. Those types of movies usually become the ones we can watch over and over again. This poem reminds me of that kind of feeling. :)

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 15, 2018:

Thanks for the kind comment, Jo. I am glad you enjoyed reading this. Yes, many of us have experienced lost love in some way.

Jo Miller from Tennessee on April 15, 2018:

What a lovely poem, Jodah. Many, I'm sure, can relate to this story of missed opportunity.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 14, 2018:

Blondey, thanks for reading. It is not entirely true for me but based on a number of true events. Cheers.

Blondey on April 14, 2018:

Aw so sad is it a true story? Love is so hard sometimes!

Nicely done!

Blondey on April 14, 2018:

Aw that's so sad. Is this true?

Hmmmm love is so hard sometimes.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 12, 2018:

Yes, Neetu, it does happen that way sometimes. Thank you for reading and commenting.

Neetu M from USA on April 12, 2018:

Isn't it how things go sometimes? Good poem expressing love and loss.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 10, 2018:

Nikki, I am glad you enjoyed the story told in this poem. Thank you for your very generous comment. I appreciate that greatly.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 10, 2018:

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.

Nikki Khan from London on April 10, 2018:

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.

manatita44 from london on April 10, 2018:

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!

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 09, 2018:

Thank you, Zuni.

zuni on April 09, 2018:

nice

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 09, 2018:

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.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 09, 2018:

Yes, Devika. It certainly is, and most of us have experienced it at some time.

Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on April 09, 2018:

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?

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on April 09, 2018:

It is disappointing or heart sore to have expressed or experienced rejection.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 08, 2018:

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.

Suzie from Carson City on April 08, 2018:

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. :)

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 08, 2018:

Thank you, a live. I tried to make it as real as possible. I think many can relate.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 08, 2018:

Ruby, thank ou so much for reading. Yes, it is all too common.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 08, 2018:

Thank you for reading Audrey. Yes, I am sure you do. The right person is out there.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 08, 2018:

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."

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 08, 2018:

I greatly appreciate your generous and unsightful comment, Elijah. Yes, destinies in control.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 08, 2018:

Hi Jamie, glad you enjoyed the read.

Clive Williams from Jamaica on April 08, 2018:

So Real

Ruby Richert on April 08, 2018:

This was so beautiful John! I know this has happened in life to many people. It tugged at my heartstrings. Well done.

Audrey Hunt from Pahrump NV on April 08, 2018:

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.

Elijah A Alexander Jr from Washington DC on April 08, 2018:

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?

Suzie from Carson City on April 08, 2018:

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

Elijah A Alexander Jr from Washington DC on April 08, 2018:

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.

Jamie Lee Hamann from Reno NV on April 08, 2018:

A wonderful read this morning thank you. Jamie

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 08, 2018:

Eric, so sorry about that. I agree a happy ending would have been ideal....but...

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 08, 2018:

Thanks, Bill. I know the feeling. As long as you found true love in the end is what mattered.

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on April 08, 2018:

My heart is broken - thanks a lot dude ;-)

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on April 08, 2018:

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.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 08, 2018:

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.

Chris Mills from Traverse City, MI on April 08, 2018:

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?

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 08, 2018:

Mary, thank you for sharing that story and prove that even what seem as lost loves can eventually have a happy ending.

Li-Jen Hew on April 08, 2018:

Haha Dear John Letter..my bad :)

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 08, 2018:

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.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 08, 2018:

Yes, Flourish. You said it. It may make us uncomfortable expressing our feelings and fearing rejection, but better than never knowing. Thanks for reading.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 08, 2018:

Haha, yes I did get a Dear John letter, Frank. How appropriate. I appreciate that comment a lot. Thanks.

Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on April 08, 2018:

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.

Ann Carr from SW England on April 08, 2018:

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

FlourishAnyway from USA on April 08, 2018:

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.

Frank Atanacio on April 08, 2018:

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...

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 08, 2018:

Hello Li-Jen. Yes, it is quite a sad but common tale. We can leave declaring our love too late.

John Hansen (author) from Gondwana Land on April 08, 2018:

Thanks Charmaine....yes life and love was once much simpler.

Li-Jen Hew on April 08, 2018:

Dear John, sad love story but I am happy that you shared the poem! Lots of people can relate to that. Smile! :)

Threekeys on April 08, 2018:

Love...sad and sweet poem. You took me down memory lane when life was easy simple and hopes were high in love.