They called this river Onion.

Settlers approach through the 

Buddha the many layers 

Elucidations of flowing waters

peeled away before we are nothing.

 

But is there something intrinsic

to this rooted in universal

understanding? Or did this

River grant its people breadth of life

through the mystery of umami?

 

Did they grow thick beside its banks

the flavorful bulbs reaching

spreading in anticipation

of feeding hungry gatherers,

galvanizing some indigenous stew?

 

What honor this wild onion!

What honor to a river!

 

There is honor in this place.