The colors of living things begin to fade with the last breath, and the soft, springy skin and supple muscle rot within weeks. But the bones sometimes remain, faithful echoes of the shape, to bear some last faint witness to the glory of what was.
The passage reflects on the inevitable decline of living beings after death, highlighting how their vibrant colors and vitality diminish as life fades away. It notes the swift decomposition of flesh, emphasizing the transient nature of life and the rapid return to the earth.
However, amidst this decay, bones persist as remnants of the former self, representing a lasting testimony to the existence and essence of what once was. This juxtaposition demonstrates the fragility of life and the enduring nature of physical form even after life's vitality has vanished.
