i saw them all , and i saw them particularly - the smooth innocence of the very old , eyes gleaming beneath the heavy folds of skin ; the sudden break from weariness in those in their prime , who stood poised between condemnation and wonder ; the frank excitement of the children who begged for their parents to explain to them what had happened - and interwoven with all , the busy , the concerned , the worn , the confused , each and every one touching another .