Beneath the tough yellowed layers
The onion keeps its soft stripes
And my tears well up the deeper I peel.

Our confidence remains fragile, always subject to change,
Our knowledge fragmented as we acquire more,
And our feelings recoil with the first rain
As they did many springs ago.

Like a dove
Which coos its throaty calming sounds
Indefatigably each sunrise,
We face the night horizon
With the lyrics of smiles.