This quote reflects the profound impact of calamity on individuals, illustrating how it can strip away the familiar aspects of daily life. When faced with destruction, people often become fixated on what they have lost, confronted by the stark reality of their circumstances. The "mesmeric eye" of calamity forces them to confront their past experiences and the comforts they once took for granted.
In their desperation, they sift through the remnants of their lives, searching for tangible reminders of their former existence. Items like toys, books, or photographs carry immense emotional weight, serving as anchors to their previous reality. This poignant imagery captures the struggle of those who endure loss, portraying their yearning to reclaim fragments of a life that has been irrevocably altered.