Meaning: The quote "Romance like a ghost escapes touching; it is always where you are not, not where you are. The interview or conversation was prose at the time, but it is poetry in the memory." is an evocative and thought-provoking statement about the elusive nature of romance and the transformative power of memory. This quote is attributed to George Curtis, an author known for his insightful and introspective observations about human emotions and experiences.

In this quote, Curtis uses the metaphor of a ghost to describe the intangible and elusive quality of romance. Much like a ghost that cannot be grasped or held, romance is depicted as something that constantly eludes our grasp, always present in our absence rather than when we are actively seeking it. This comparison highlights the ethereal and fleeting nature of romantic experiences, suggesting that they exist in a realm beyond our immediate reach.

Furthermore, Curtis contrasts the experience of romance in the present moment with its enduring impact in memory. He describes a past interview or conversation as "prose at the time," indicating that it was a straightforward and unadorned interaction. However, in retrospect, he characterizes it as "poetry in the memory," emphasizing the transformative power of memory to elevate mundane experiences into something poetic and profound. This juxtaposition underscores the idea that our recollections of romantic encounters are often imbued with a sense of heightened beauty and significance, even if they may have seemed ordinary at the time.

The quote also suggests that romance is not confined to specific moments or physical proximity, but rather resides in the realm of memory and imagination. It implies that the true essence of romance is not limited to the tangible aspects of a relationship, but rather resides in the emotional resonance and lasting impressions it leaves behind. This notion aligns with the idea that love and romance are not solely bound by physical presence, but can endure and evolve through the power of memory and reflection.

Moreover, the use of the word "interview" in the quote adds an intriguing layer to the concept of romance. While the term "interview" typically connotes a formal exchange or conversation, its inclusion in this context suggests a deliberate and perhaps structured approach to romantic interactions. By likening an interview to prose at the time and poetry in memory, Curtis may be highlighting the transformation of initially mundane or practical interactions into something more profound and emotionally resonant over time.

Overall, George Curtis' quote offers a poignant reflection on the elusive nature of romance and the enduring impact of memory on our perceptions of love and connection. Through its evocative imagery and contrast between the present and memory, the quote invites contemplation on the intangible and transformative aspects of romantic experiences, resonating with anyone who has pondered the nature of love and its enduring presence in our lives.