The arms stretched out symbolize an airplane, which symbolizes both the freedom of flight and the "flights" of fancy that accompany childhood, thus we have the exaltation of innocence, yet Gene is looking the other way while stepping forward, representing his lack of concern for the future, ergo, the lack of adult concerns, even as a future prospect, in childhood, thus--
oh, I mean, cute cat, want to pet, meow meow =^.^=
The arms stretched out symbolize an airplane, which symbolizes both the freedom of flight and the "f
