The Zen of Peeling an Onion

  Bob Choi

6 June 2012

 

It’s time you peeled an onion”, a voice says.

 

Peeling away

your worldly possessions

Beemie convertible, Cartier watches

beachfront condo and mutual funds.

 

Peeling away

your personal achievements

academic degrees, athletic trophies

professional honors and country club membership.

 

Peeling away

your dearly beloved parents

siblings, spouse and children

and all the friends you ever knew.

 

Peeling away

your joy and sorrow

fear and hope

your belief and your religion too.

 

At the core of the empty space

drenched in tears, you ask

But where’s the answer?

What’s the purpose of life?

 

It’s time you peeled another onion,” the chef says.

We’ve got more orders for French onion soup!”