* Symbol of lost innocence and fleeting youth: The poem speaks of the beauty of youth and its inevitability to fade, mirroring the loss of innocence the characters experience throughout the novel. Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dallas all face harsh realities and their youthful idealism is challenged.
* Connecting to the conflict between the Greasers and Socs: The poem's message of impermanence and change relates to the conflict between the two groups. Their rivalry is based on class differences, and the poem suggests that ultimately, these distinctions don't matter in the face of life's inevitable passage.
* Underscoring the tragedy of Johnny's death: The poem's themes of loss and mortality are directly connected to Johnny's sacrifice and the grief it leaves behind. Johnny's death serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and how quickly things can change.
* Providing a hopeful note amidst the tragedy: Although the poem speaks of loss, it also suggests a sense of acceptance. Hinton ends the novel with a hopeful outlook, implying that even though life is fleeting, it's still beautiful and worthwhile.
* Personal connection: It's possible Hinton chose the poem because it resonated with her own experiences as a teenager. She wrote *The Outsiders* in high school, and the poem's themes of youth, loss, and change might have deeply affected her at that time.
By including this poem, Hinton effectively elevates the novel's message beyond a simple story about teenage gangs. She uses it to explore larger themes about life, death, and the inevitability of change. It adds a layer of depth and emotional resonance that lingers with the reader long after they finish the book.