Reflection on the Poem "The Traveling of Onion"

                  

I want to share with you my reflection on the poem, “The Traveling Onion,” written by Naomi Shihab Nye.

 On the surface, I think that the author talks about the role of the onion in adding flavor to food we eat in our daily life. But through closing reading, I discovered something more: “And I would never scold the onion for causing tears. It is right that tears fall for something small and forgotten.” In this case, I understand that the author uses the onion as a symbol for other things which are “small and forgotten.” It reminds me of how often we forget the people who play a small role in our community. If nobody wanted to take a small part in community, I am for sure this community would not have good harmony and even not exist. Therefore, in community life, whether people work a small job or work on a big project, they are important in life of the community.    

I am also interested in the idea that the poet mentions in the end of this poem, “For the sake of others, disappear.” Like the onion which sacrifices itself for flavor to feed, many people in the time of the author were willing to lay down their lives for others. True giving is that take place without seeking a reward. A good example of this kind of giving is Mother Teresa who never waited  around to be thanks for her efforts.

I really like this poem because the author has ability to see greatness in normal things. Often time people overlook the normal things in life because they think they are unimportant. However, it is a simple thing in life that become the really important thing because they are the things that touch us in our day to day life style. Actually, one can never say that something which necessary for life and happiness can ever be considered unimportant.