Reflect on ‘When This You See, Remember Me’- A Journey Through Memory and Remembrance

by liuqiyue

When this you see, remember me. These words echo through the corridors of time, a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. In a world that moves at an ever-accelerating pace, it is easy to become consumed by the hustle and bustle, often forgetting to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. However, there are moments that stand out, moments that leave an indelible mark on our hearts, and it is these moments that we must hold onto with all our might.

The phrase “when this you see, remember me” carries with it a sense of finality, a farewell that lingers long after the person who spoke it has departed. It is a testament to the enduring power of memory, a reminder that even in the face of loss, we can carry the essence of someone with us through the years. This concept is not confined to personal relationships; it can be found in art, literature, and even in the natural world.

In literature, authors often use this theme to explore the human condition, the search for meaning, and the quest for immortality. Take, for example, the works of William Shakespeare, whose characters often grapple with the idea of legacy and remembrance. In “Hamlet,” the eponymous protagonist reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of leaving a lasting impression:

“To be, or not to be: that is the question:
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles
And by opposing end them. To die: to sleep;
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to, ’tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish’d. To die, to sleep;
To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there’s the rub;
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause: there’s the respect
That makes calamity of so long life;
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
The oppressor’s wrong, the proud man’s contumely,
The pangs of despised love, the law’s delay,
The insolence of office and the spurns
That patient merit of the unworthy takes,
When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin? Who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after death,
The undiscover’d country from whose bourn
No traveller returns, puzzles the will
And makes us rather bear those ills we have
Than fly to others that we know not of?
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all;
And thus the native hue of resolution
Is sicklied o’er with the pale cast of thought,
And enterprises of great pitch and moment
With this regard their currents turn awry,
And lose the name of action.”

In the natural world, the theme of remembrance is also evident. Consider the trees that stand tall, their roots firmly planted in the earth, their branches reaching towards the sky. These trees have witnessed centuries pass, and yet they remain, a testament to the enduring power of nature. In the same way, when we see something that reminds us of someone special, we are reminded of their presence in our lives, their impact on us, and the love that endures even after they have passed.

In conclusion, the phrase “when this you see, remember me” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing life and the fleeting nature of existence. Whether it is in literature, personal relationships, or the natural world, this theme continues to resonate with us, urging us to live with purpose and to leave a lasting legacy. So, the next time you come across something that brings a smile to your face or a tear to your eye, take a moment to reflect on the beauty of life and the memories that make it worthwhile.

You may also like