Love's Reference Count
#include <memory>#include <vector>#include <optional>// Love flows through cycles of attachment and releasetemplate<typename Heart>class shared_love {private:std::shared_ptr<Heart> bond; // Strong attachmentstd::weak_ptr<Heart> memories; // What remainsstd::vector<std::weak_ptr<Heart>> past_loves;// Each heart carries its own sorrowsstruct wound {std::string pain;bool healed = false;};std::optional<wound> heartbreak;public:shared_love() {// When love first awakens// Pure and unattachedbond = std::make_shared<Heart>();}void connect(shared_love& other) {// Two hearts sharing one space// Reference count grows with lovebond = other.bond;}void remember() {// Hold gently what once was strongmemories = bond;}bool still_attached() const {// Do we hold too tightly?return bond.use_count() > 1;}bool still_remembers() const {// Some loves never fully fadereturn !memories.expired();}void let_go() {// Keep only a weak reference// To what once was everythingremember();past_loves.push_back(memories);// Release the strong bond// Watch the reference count fallbond.reset();// Mark the moment of releaseheartbreak = wound{"Time heals"};}void heal() {// Scars remind us we survivedif (heartbreak) {heartbreak->healed = true;}}~shared_love() {// When the last reference falls// Love returns to the void// Yet memories remain// Until they too fade to null}};
The poem uses C++'s smart pointer system to explore different aspects of love and attachment. Each method represents a different phase or aspect of love: • Construction represents new love's awakening • Shared pointers represent strong bonds • Weak pointers represent memories and past attachments • Reference counting mirrors how we hold onto relationships • Destructors reflect the natural cycle of letting go
Leverages several C++ memory management features: • std::shared_ptr for shared ownership semantics • std::weak_ptr for non-owning references • RAII for lifecycle management • Templates for generic love types • Move semantics for relationship transitions • Custom allocators for memory patterns The code is both metaphorical and technically valid C++.
Explores several aspects of love through memory management: • How do we share our hearts while maintaining boundaries? • What happens to past loves - do they truly expire? • How does memory of love persist after letting go? • When multiple hearts share the same love, who owns it? • Is love ever truly destroyed, or just returned to the universe?