As he passed people rushing by the scores of thousands on the streets, he saw the glory of their faces. He saw in the way their eyes were set--in their reddened cheeks, and in their expressions of hope, determination, or anger--whatever it was that made them more than skeletons and flesh, for the life in their faces far transcended the material into which it had strayed. And yet if he were to grasp for it, all he would have would be the lapels of a coat and a startled and fearful pedestrian inside. Though the light he sought was shining all around, he could not capture it.
The protagonist observes the hustle and bustle of thousands of people on the streets, captivated by the vibrant emotions reflected in their faces. These expressions reveal a deep essence of life that goes beyond mere physical existence, showcasing hope, determination, or anger that adds meaning to their being. The vitality he witnesses around him signifies a profound connection to life itself.
Despite this illumination surrounding him, he feels an inability to truly grasp or hold onto that essence. When he tries to reach out, all he encounters is a physical touch—the fabric of a coat and an anxious passerby—reminding him that while the beauty of life is evident everywhere, capturing its true spirit proves elusive.
