In Richard Ford's book "Canada," the narrative reflects on the constant changes in nature and how they impact our perception of time. The shifting earth, the sun's descent, and the seasonal arrival of geese are powerful reminders of life’s cyclical nature. These elements highlight that our structured understanding of time can feel arbitrary when faced with the relentless flow of the natural world.
Ford suggests that as one observes these natural forces, the concept of time loses its significance. He argues that our human-made measures of time become less relevant in the context of the Earth's rhythms and the eternal passage of seasons. This perspective encourages a sense of humility and allows one to appreciate the present moment rather than being bound by the constraints of chronological time.