I wanted to marry wood. I wanted to chew down some two–by–fours, crawl inside a tree, slide elm into my aorta so that every beat of every second was a grand waltz with luck.
Aimee Bender's novel, "An Invisible Sign of My Own," explores the protagonist's deep yearning for connection and transformation through an unusual obsession with wood. The quote reflects this desire in a vivid and metaphorical way, as the character imagines immersing herself in the natural world, highlighting a longing for intimacy with nature and a desire to experience life in a new, profound way.
This metaphor of wanting to marry wood symbolizes a longing for stability, growth, and organic beauty in life. Chewing on two-by-fours and crawling into a tree illustrates an urge to incorporate natural elements into her being, portraying a grand, whimsical vision of existence where luck dances in harmony with the rhythm of life.