The Last Meeting & Final Parting
The Last Meeting & Final Parting - meaning Summary
Recognition by Tokens
This short lyric imagines a future reunion between speaker and addressee, “Larry.” The speaker insists they will be recognized at that meeting by outward signs — a halo for the addressee and a fan for the speaker — framing identity through symbolic tokens. The tone mixes affection and resignation: recognition is certain, but the briefness implied by "may not tarry" suggests separation, loss, and bittersweet expectation of final parting.
Read Complete AnalysesWhen I meet you, I shall know you By your halo I shall know you Men shall know you, blameless man, And you'll know me also, Larry, When we meet, but may not tarry, Yes, alas, alas, you'll know me by my fan.
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