He held to it in the way of a man who holds the string of a kite that is so high he can't see it anymore, knowing that any moment it may break and the only way he will know it has broken will be by the sudden ripple of the string as it dances slowly groundward.
The quote illustrates a deep sense of vulnerability and the tenuous nature of connection. The image of a man holding a string to a kite represents holding onto something precious yet out of sight, emphasizing trust and uncertainty. He grasps the string tightly, aware that at any moment the connection might snap, leaving him with only the faintest signal of loss.
This metaphor speaks to the human experience of holding onto aspirations or relationships that can feel distant or fragile. The man's anticipation of the potential break conveys the anxiety and awareness that accompany hope, where the momentary thrill of elevation is coupled with the fear of descending into disappointment.