If you prick us...
Today while examining the branch of a spruce I was struck by how akin the papery casing at the base of each needle was to that at the base of a bird's feather. The similarity between the animal and plant kingdoms, I think, is grossly understated. Upon further examination, I noticed a drop of clear liquid clinging to the underside of a damaged needle. Thinking it a bit of rain, I touched my finger to it, only to realize that it was in fact hardened sap, scabbing over the tiny wound. It was so like the healing process in an animal, in a human. How, I wondered, did we ever become so separated from the fundamental knowledge of the commonalities we share with all creatures?