Franz Kafka's quote from "Letters to Milena" suggests that the act of writing letters filled with affection, like kisses, fails to truly convey the intended emotions. Instead of reaching their recipient, these written sentiments are consumed by memories or unfulfilled desires, represented as ghosts. This reflects Kafka's themes of isolation and the struggle to connect with others through written words, as the physical distance and emotional barriers can distort the true intent of communication.
The metaphor of kisses being "drunk" implies a sense of loss and hopelessness in expressing genuine feelings. Kafka underscores the inadequacy of language to fully capture the essence of intimate connections. This resonates with the reader, evoking a feeling of yearning for emotional closeness that often eludes us, making us ponder the limitations of self-expression in the realm of love and relationships.