Let's break it down:
* "Old longings": This refers to the deep-seated desires and yearnings that have been present within us for a long time. These longings might be for something unknown, for exploration, for a different way of life.
* "Nomadic leap": This imagery evokes a sense of movement, of breaking free from the confines of a settled life and embarking on a journey. It represents the impulsive, spontaneous desire to experience something new.
* "Chafing at customs chain": This refers to the feeling of being restricted and constrained by the rules and expectations of society. The "customs chain" represents the social norms, traditions, and obligations that we are expected to adhere to. The "chafing" suggests a feeling of irritation and frustration at these limitations.
In essence, the line means that the deep-seated yearning for freedom and adventure (the "old longings") is constantly struggling against the constraints of societal expectations (the "customs chain"). The "nomadic leap" represents the desire to break free from these limitations and embrace a life of exploration and independence.
The line is powerful because it speaks to a universal human experience: the conflict between our desire for freedom and the realities of living in a structured society. It captures the feeling of being pulled in two different directions, yearning for something more while simultaneously feeling bound by expectations and obligations.