august 9, 2008: "Nostalgia" by shang
In Greek, nostalgia literally means the pain from an old wound. It's a twinge in your heart far more powerful than memory alone, reminding us of a place where we ache to go again.
It's the pang of loneliness that hits after saying goodbye to friends and loved ones, when the realization suddenly dawns that, even though their memories and legacy will no doubt be with you forever, you will inevitably each move on and continue with your own lives. It's the dull but deep sorrow when the skyline of the city fades away behind you, and with it all the vibrant memories of another chapter of life gone by, of people and places that will no longer be a part of your everyday living, and the heartache that comes with acknowledging that even if you do return, it will not be the same. It's the bittersweet longing when listening to an old song, when a wave of memories sweeps you back to sights and sounds long ago that took your breath away, to amazing company no longer present, to a once familiar lifestyle that is no longer yours. It's the smell of a forgotten scent that stirs faded memories of old friends and lovers, and you wonder where they are and what they are doing now. It's the wistful reminiscing of looking at a picture from times much simpler than now, with friends and faces long gone, and you see yourself caught in a moment of your own complete happiness, and your heart fleetingly yearns to fly back in time and return.
Funny how the sweetest memories are the ones that come back to haunt us the most, yet are the ones we are most grateful for making.
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