The Backstory To The Poem- A Lock, A Key: Bound For Eternity

Here's the backstory to the Poem: A LOCK, A KEY: BOUND FOR ETERNITY

During my recent trip back to Maryland for my daughter's wedding, while exploring downtown Havre de Grace, I noticed a fence adorned with padlocks that separated the Concord Point Lighthouse property from a private residence. Having lived in this area for almost 20 years, I had never seen this before. Intrigued, I wondered when, why, and how this began. Observing the locks, I saw some were in memory of someone, while others symbolized a union between lovers or friends.

With my daughter's wedding just days away, I had an idea for her and her groom to create a symbolic experience before leaving Maryland to start their new life together down south. They also agreed. This began my quest to find the perfect lock and key to gift them on their wedding day.

I took one afternoon stroll through downtown Havre de Grace, visiting various antique shops. After several stops, I wasn't sure I'd find what I was looking for, but I knew I couldn't give up! On my final stop, I visited Seneca Cannery Antique Mall on Saint John Street. This place is housed in a historical building with an estimated 20,000 sq. ft. and over 50 antique dealers across three floors, complete with an elevator for each floor! It's known as the largest antique mall in both, Harford and Cecil Counties in Maryland. And, I had only less than one hour to complete my search for this "lock & key!"

As I walked through each space, my eyes were focused on finding that special gift. Finally, I found a glass case containing historical military treasures, and among 3 or 4 locks, one stood out as the right one. But I still had more ground to cover, so I continued in case another awaited discovery. On the last floor, I found a second lock that caught my attention. Then the loudspeaker announced it was time for customers to gather their items and head to the register as closing time approached. With minutes left, I made my final choice for the perfect wedding gift: a solid, antique brass lock and key with the #1 on it, and quickly sought assistance to open the glass case.

Satisfied with my find, I was inspired to write a poem to accompany this gift for the bride and groom on their special day. I spent a good amount of time preparing it just the night before their wedding... you can read the poem here A LOCK, A KEY: BOUND FOR ETERNITY

Then came the moment when I gave them my gift. I stressed how important it was to share this experience together before they left Maryland to begin their new life, a symbol of their past, present, and future uniting as one. Days later, just as they prepared to embark on their new journey, I received a text with a photo of them having done just that! The lock was secured in place on the fence, and the key... well, it was meant to be tossed in the Susquehanna River, but was lost during the couple's fun adventure.

THE LOCK SECURED

Earlier today, I found a short description of this custom that is seen worldwide:

“Love locks are a symbol of love and commitment.... It is inspired by an ancient custom, believed to have originated in China – where lovers lock a padlock on a chain or gate and then throw away the key, symbolically locking their love forever. Around the world, cities from Moscow to Rome, and France are filled with fences, bridges, and poles adorned with padlocks.”