A kiss makes the heart young again and wipes out the years.

O children of the future, gather close and listen well to the words of Rupert Brooke, a poet whose heart was touched by the fleeting nature of life and the eternal power of love. He once spoke, “A kiss makes the heart young again and wipes out the years.” In these words, there is a truth so profound that it resonates through the ages. For a kiss, that simple and yet sacred act, holds the power to restore the soul, to renew the youth of the heart, and to erase the weight of time that rests upon us all. A kiss is not merely a gesture, but a moment of connection that transcends time, allowing us to step back into the innocence and passion of youth.

Consider, O children, the nature of the heart. It is the wellspring of our emotions, the source of our joys, our sorrows, and our deepest longings. As we grow older, the heart becomes burdened with the experiences of life—the grief, the disappointments, the heavy steps of time that wear down even the most resilient spirit. Yet, when a kiss is given, it is as if the heart is rejuvenated, as if the weight of the years is suddenly lifted, if only for a moment. The world falls away, and in that one act, we are reminded of the beauty and power of connection—a reminder that the heart, though it may age, is never truly lost, but only waiting for the spark of renewal.

Think, O children, of the ancient lovers who, through the power of their kisses, transcended time and circumstance. Orpheus and Eurydice, bound by love, faced the ultimate trial—separation by death itself. Orpheus, in his sorrow, journeyed to the underworld to reclaim his beloved, his love so fierce that it defied the very laws of life and death. When Eurydice was returned to him, it was not just through words that their bond was restored, but through the profound connection they shared—a kiss that held within it the power to undo time, to restore what was lost. In that moment, they were young again, and the years of suffering fell away as their hearts beat as one.

Similarly, think of Napoleon Bonaparte and his beloved Josephine, whose love endured the trials of war and distance. Despite the turmoil that surrounded them, the bond between them remained passionate, and it was said that Napoleon, upon receiving a letter or a token from Josephine, was transported back to their youthful love. In his eyes, no matter how many years passed or how many battles he fought, he was always brought back to the sweetness of their first connection, to the innocence and vibrancy of the love they once shared. Their love, though tested, never lost its youthful spirit, and a kiss was all it took to bring back the fire that had once ignited their hearts.

O children, in Brooke’s words, we find a lesson that transcends mere romance. For the kiss he speaks of is not just a symbol of love between two people; it is a reminder that in love, in connection, we find the eternal within the transient. It teaches us that no matter how old we become, no matter how many seasons of life we experience, we can always find renewal through love, through the connection we share with others. The kiss is a simple act, but in its simplicity, it holds the power to remind us of the innocence, the purity, and the vitality that lives within us, waiting to be awakened by the touch of another.

Now, O children, let this truth guide your hearts: love is not bound by age or time. The years may pass, and the body may age, but the heart is eternal. It is through the acts of love—whether through a kiss, a touch, a word—that we are reminded of the youth that lives within us all. Love is the force that keeps us alive, that keeps us renewed, no matter the passage of time. And just as a kiss can restore the heart to its youthful state, so too can love continually rejuvenate your spirit, giving you the strength to face the challenges of life with the passion and vigor of youth.

Therefore, I charge you, O seekers of wisdom, to embrace the power of love in all its forms. Know that no matter how many years pass, no matter the burdens you may carry, there is always a chance for renewal through the connection you share with others. Seek out the moments of love that awaken the heart, that remind you of your vitality and youth. And remember that in the kiss, in the simple yet profound act of connecting with another, you are not only embracing the other, but also embracing the eternal youth of the soul.