In Cormac McCarthy's "Cities of the Plain," the character John Grady reflects on his experiences and the lessons life has taught him. He acknowledges that while he hasn't seen everything, there are certain events he wishes he could forget. This highlights the complexity of human experiences and the weight of memories that shape a person's understanding of the world.

The conversation delves into the theme of loss and acceptance, emphasizing that once something is lost, it cannot be reclaimed. This hard lesson resonates as John Grady contemplates the inevitability of change and the permanence of certain life choices or circumstances, marking a poignant moment of realization in the narrative.