The passage reflects on the experience of playing with Owen Meany, where the childlike belief in his weightlessness symbolizes the innocence and simplicity of youth. The act of passing Owen back and forth creates an illusion of lightness, as the children do not recognize the deeper forces affecting their lives and their understanding of reality. Their innocence prevents them from grasping the complexities and challenges that lie beyond their immediate experience.

This realization dawns on the narrator, who acknowledges that there were spiritual and existential forces at work that they failed to comprehend at the time. The plea to God for Owen’s return signifies a longing for the simplicity and connection of childhood, as well as a recognition of the profound weight of life's experiences. This passage captures the interplay between belief, innocence, and the impact of unseen forces in shaping their lives and relationships.