How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Deep inside me the loneliness bird laid a large stone egg. (3.156)
No, this isn't just a nice way of saying that Peekay is constipated. Instead, these pesky loneliness birds reveal to us that Peekay's a really sensitive kid who is also really good at hiding his feelings. Check out the "Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory" section for more on those birds and their unpleasant eggs.
Quote #2
The loneliness birds stopped laying stone eggs, they rose from their stone nests and flapped away on their ugly wings and the eggs they left behind crumbled into dust. A fierce, howling wind came along and blew the dust away until I was empty inside. (8.98)
Even though the loneliness birds have left, Peekay is still scarred by what happened. We can see that because even though the birds and their eggs are gone, the place where they were is still there, and still empty. Peekay can still feel the loss, even if it doesn't hurt as bad.
Quote #3
"The vines are people who are afraid of originality, of new thinking. Most people you encounter will be vines; when you are a young plant they are very dangerous." (9.111)
Doc isn't talking about those funny six-second Vine videos that are super addicting to watch. Doc is warning Peekay here using a metaphor. Peekay is a young plant that has a long way to go before he is strong, while the vines are the people with closed minds who can wrap around him and choke him until he is stunted, afraid to learn and grow.