The passage reflects on the concept of normalcy and its fleeting nature. It illustrates how, as one drifts away from what is familiar—symbolized by a raft or a balloon—the perception of normal life diminishes. The imagery evokes a sense of isolation and the inevitability of distance from one’s roots.
This loss of normalcy can happen subtly, as one may not fully realize how far they have strayed until it's too late. The metaphor emphasizes how easily one can become disconnected from their previous life and the accompanying feelings of longing and nostalgia that arise from this separation.