In "Foxfire: Confessions of a Girl Gang" by Joyce Carol Oates, the narrator reflects on the nature of identity and time. The passage contemplates the significance of our past selves, questioning whether the loss of who we once were truly matters. It suggests that though we may change and evolve, we still hold a connection to our former selves, much like a river that exists at both its beginning and end simultaneously.

This metaphor illustrates the idea that the experiences of our past contribute to our current existence. The acknowledgment of having lived in the past and the awareness of living in the present suggest a continuum of identity that intertwines different periods of our lives. Ultimately, the passage posits that while the past may be lost, the essence of our experiences continues to shape who we are today.