The central theme of the poem is how one should attain wisdom. In the end, the poet agrees with the wise man's views.
The focus of the poem is the wise man's advise regarding love, how to give it to a lover and the consequences after giving love from the heart. Though the poet listened to it, he/she decided not to pay attention but later, in older age, he/she agrees with the men's wisdom. The poem reflects how one should attain wisdom: by listening to wise people's advise.