The quote emphasizes the relentless passage of time, likening it to a flowing river. It suggests that time, much like water, is unstoppable and continuously moving forward. The imagery of a face on the water implies a transient and elusive nature, where moments are fleeting and cannot be captured or held on to.

In the context of the book "The Wind Through the Keyhole" by Stephen King, this concept resonates with the themes of change and the inevitability of progression. Just as a river carves its path through the landscape, time shapes and influences the characters’ lives and experiences, reminding readers of the importance of embracing the present while recognizing the transient nature of existence.