When True Love Dies

Summary

"When True Love Dies" is a poignant poem that reflects on the enduring presence of a loved one's memory through the symbol of their hat hanging on the wall.

Abstract

The poem "When True Love Dies" captures the essence of remembrance and the lingering impact of a lost loved one. It describes the author's emotional struggle as they encounter the hat of their departed partner, which remains in its place, symbolizing the void left behind. The hat serves as a powerful reminder of the moments shared and the love that once was. Despite the cold reality of their loss, the author chooses to preserve the memory by leaving the hat untouched, honoring the bond they shared. The poem also touches on the difficulty of moving on and the moments of reflection that occur each time the author passes by the hat. The author cherishes the dreamt moments and the love they had, refusing to believe they were temporary. The poem concludes with the author leaving an empty hook on the wall, symbolizing the ongoing connection to the past and the openness to the memories that visitors bring with them as they leave.

Opinions

The author feels a profound sense of loss and emptiness since the death of their beloved.
The loved one's hat is personified as a symbol of their presence and the life they shared.
There is a reluctance to remove the hat, as it represents a tangible connection to the deceased.
The author acknowledges the finality of death but finds solace in the memories associated with the hat.
The poem suggests that the passage of time may not heal the wound of loss, but it can lead to a place of honor for the departed.
The author expresses a willingness to trade material wealth for more time with their loved one.
The poem conveys a sense of disbelief that such a deep and enduring love could be taken away so suddenly.
The act of leaving an empty hook is a gesture of remembrance and a silent invitation for others to share in the memory of the loved one.

When True Love Dies

A poem of remembrance

Your hat is still hanging on the wall in the hall It’s there where you left it ready on call A little bit higher than the rest of our gear When your hat was in place we all knew you were near If I should remove it there would be a big hole Like the one when you passed that’s so icy cold I can’t seem to shake it that feeling remains They say in some time I’ll get back in the game So it will remain hanging where it belongs Each time that I pass it I’ll think nothing’s wrong I’ll recall as we gathered our coats and our hats To walk from our home for this and for that There are so many moments that began at that spot So many times we said; “Forget me not!” Why was the love of my life taken in a flash I’d trade one more moment for all of my cash For life has its partners that wear their hats well The love of my life I’ll continue to tell I’ll keep every dream and every moment we spent I’ll never believe looking back they were lent I thought we would live forever in love As that picture we bought of two loving Doves There’s one hook still empty I’ve left on the wall For family and friends and strangers all As they leave I’ll look up and always recall Your hat that’s still hanging there on the wall. — WOLRAD

(A poem from the Wolrad collection #218)