The quote from Robert R. McCammon's "The Five" conveys the idea that life is constantly changing, symbolized by a river that cannot be crossed the same way twice. It highlights the notion that each moment is unique and ephemeral. Just as a river's water flows away, leaving no trace of past crossings, our experiences shape us in ways that cannot be revisited in exactly the same manner.

The absence of memory in flowing water serves as a powerful metaphor for the transient nature of time and moments in our lives. We might revisit places or experiences, but they are never the same due to our personal growth and changing circumstances. This quote invites reflection on the inevitability of change and the importance of appreciating each moment as it comes.