In the poem, the speaker reflects on the inevitability of death, suggesting that each day brings a quiet mortality that affects us profoundly. Oblivion, characterized not merely by skeletal remains but by the vibrant, living essence of people, highlights how life is fleeting and ephemeral. The reminder that our past achievements and experiences eventually become forgotten remnants emphasizes the transient nature of existence.

The imagery of “crumpled names, phone numbers and foxed files” paints a stark picture of how memories and identities may degrade over time, losing their significance and clarity. This evokes a sense of melancholy as the speaker grapples with the reality that the vibrant lives we lead will inevitably fade into obscurity, underlining the tension between the desire for legacy and the harshness of oblivion.