The quote from "The Last of Her Kind" reflects a deep yearning for connection and the allure of romantic fantasies. The speaker enjoys strolling through Fifth Avenue, where he finds himself captivated by the presence of women, imagining the possibility of entering their lives without anyone noticing. This longing suggests a desire for escape and adventure, mingled with a sense of nostalgia for a time when he felt more alive and engaged with the world around him.
Furthermore, the imagery of the speaker half-turning or fully turning open-armed hints at vulnerability and the hope of embracing these fleeting moments. There is a tension between the allure of fantasy and the reality of loneliness, as he reminisces about being part of a vibrant crowd that he once identified with. Through these reflections, the passage encapsulates themes of longing, connection, and the bittersweet nature of memory.