Through this feeling of helplessness suddenly burst a piercing nostalgia for the lost world of childhood. The way it came right up against the heart, that world, and against the face. No indoors or outdoors, only everything touching us, and the grown-ups lumbering past overhead like constellations.
The passage expresses a deep sense of nostalgia that arises in moments of helplessness. It reflects on the lost innocence of childhood, where experiences were vivid and immediate. This feeling contrasts sharply with the adult world, which often feels distant and disconnected, represented by the imagery of grown-ups as constellations looming above.
This longing for the simplicity and purity of childhood emphasizes the boundaries between the carefree nature of youth and the complexities of adulthood. The author captures the emotions tied to memories of being close to everything around, suggesting a time when life was more tangible and intertwined with the surrounding world.
