Here's how the poem explores this theme:
* The speaker's struggle with the reality of the absence: The poem begins with a stark acknowledgement of the absence, "He is gone," yet the speaker immediately struggles to reconcile this reality with the lingering presence of the loved one in their memories and thoughts. The speaker feels the absence "as a cold wind" and "as a heavy weight," highlighting the physical and emotional impact of the loss.
* The persistence of memories: The poem explores the power of memory, detailing how the speaker is haunted by the absent loved one's "face, his voice, his touch." These memories are both a source of pain and a reminder of the love shared.
* The ongoing connection despite separation: Despite the physical separation, the speaker continues to feel a deep connection to the absent loved one. They imagine them "walking beside me," even though they are gone. This suggests the emotional bond transcends physical reality.
* The ambiguity of the speaker's feelings: The poem doesn't offer a simple resolution or easy acceptance of the loss. Instead, it captures the complex and contradictory emotions that accompany grief, including love, pain, longing, and a sense of continuing connection.
"Absence" is not just a poem about grieving a physical loss; it's a meditation on the complex ways that absence affects our lives, the ways that memories and emotions can continue to shape our experiences even after someone is gone.