# Rencontre explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Henry van Dyke Jr..

## What happens

The speaker addresses a beloved figure, lamenting a missed temporal connection as one departs and the other arrives. They offer a brief shared moment and a single rose before riding alone toward a distant, lonely road, yet promise a future meeting along the way.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

The speaker's selfless offer of a single rose and a brief walk before departing, asking nothing more of the beloved's love.

### The Pilgrimage of Life

The speaker's journey on the 'Road to Far Away' and the promise of meeting again on the way, reflecting life as a pilgrimage.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker who is departing, born too soon or too late relative to the beloved.

### Vera

The beloved addressed as 'my dear', arriving as the speaker leaves.

## Key lines

> Oh, was I born too soon, my dear, or were you born too late, That I am going out the door while you come in the gate?

Our timing is off; I am leaving just as you arrive.

_Expresses the sorrow of missed connection due to timing._

> Then walk with me an hour, my dear, and pluck the reddest rose Amid the white and crimson store with which your garden glows

Spend a short time with me and pick the most beautiful rose from your abundant garden.

_A request for a brief, intimate moment before parting._

> But I must ride the lonely shore, the Road to Far Away: So bring the stirrup-cup and pour a brimming draught, I pray

I must travel a solitary path to a distant place; please give me a farewell drink.

_The speaker prepares for a solitary journey and asks for a parting toast._

> And when you take the road, my dear, I’ll meet you on the way.

When you eventually begin your own journey, I will encounter you along the path.

_A hopeful promise of reunion in the future._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/rencontre
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters