On any given day, something can come along and steal our hearts. It may be any old thing: a rosebud, a lost cap, a favorite sweater from childhood, an old Gene Pitney record. A miscellany of trivia with no home to call their own. Lingering for two or three days, that something soon disappears, returning to the darkness. There are wells, deep wells, dug in our hearts. Birds fly over them."-from "Pinball, 1973
Haruki Murakami captures the fleeting nature of emotional attachment through everyday objects. He suggests that it only takes a simple item—a rosebud, a childhood sweater, or an old record—to evoke strong feelings and memories. These seemingly insignificant things can momentarily charm us, creating a connection that is vivid yet ultimately temporary. This transitory experience highlights the fragility of our emotional responses and how quickly they can fade.
Moreover, Murakami introduces the idea of deep wells within our hearts where these feelings resonate. While something may capture our attention for a few days, it often slips back into obscurity, much like the forgotten depths of our emotions. The imagery of birds flying over these wells indicates that, despite their hidden nature, these emotions influence our experiences. This reflection invites readers to consider the significance we place on what we cherish and the ephemeral quality of memory.
