"Rippling phosphorescent
lipid membranes sprout people,
cornflower speech, worlds."

Every cell in every living organism is enclosed in a double-layered membrane that helps regulate the life of the cell. Membranes define what is inside and what is outside. A membrane called skin encloses our physical body; it’s what people call our “birthday suit.” Even our psyches and societies have membranes, habits of thought and social customs defining “us” as different from “them.” Cell membranes also “breathe” or allow movement between inside and outside, making sharing between cells possible. Without membranes there would be only one undifferentiated “soup” of existence. With membranes, there is endless diversity

The large circular cell at the top is also the head of the entire human body with hands and a large inner cavity running from mouth to anus. Out of the mouth comes breath and then words, which take on a life of their own. Soon we are in the realm of mystery: a baby waiting to be born, sheltered under the umbrella-like leaves of a begonia plant. Squiggles of color represent the almost countless numbers of molecules - proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, amino acids, fats and minerals -- that come together to dance the intricate and interconnected dance of life.