“Midnight shakes the memory as a madman shakes”
— T. S. Eliot
Simplified Meaning:
When it's very late at night and everything is quiet, our thoughts can begin to feel wild and chaotic. During these times, we often remember things we haven't thought about in a while, and these memories can come back to us very suddenly and forcefully, much like how a crazy person might act. For instance, imagine lying in bed after a long day, when your mind starts wandering. Out of nowhere, you might recall an old embarrassment or a tough conversation from years ago. These memories can feel vivid and intense, unsettling you even if there’s no real reason to be upset now. This can help you understand that everyone experiences these moments of sudden, intense memories. So, when it happens to you, try not to worry too much. It’s just your mind processing things, and it will pass.