Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

William Matthews' poem "Onions" masterfully explores the complexity of human emotions and the subtle yet profound moments of domestic life through the simple act of preparing onions. The poem begins with a celebration of the small joy found in mundane activities, noting how "happiness begins by / dicing onions." This introduction sets the tone for a contemplative exploration of the layers of experience and emotion, much like the layers of the onion itself.

The poem describes the initial process of cooking with vivid imagery: a "lump of sweet butter / slithers and swirls across the floor / of the sauté pan," particularly when mixed with a bit of olive oil. The use of words like "slithers" and "swirls" evokes a sense of sensuality and ease, suggesting the pleasure found in simple, everyday acts. The "tumble of onions" that follows marks the beginning of something more complex, whether it be soup, risotto, or chutney. The reference to chutney, derived from the Sanskrit word *chatni*, meaning "to lick," emphasizes the sensory nature of the experience, connecting the act of cooking to a deeper, almost primal satisfaction.

As the onions cook, they transition from firm to "limp and then nacreous / and then what cookbooks call clear." Matthews likens this transformation to eyes developing cataracts, introducing a metaphor that connects the physical with the metaphorical. This imagery of eyes and clarity suggests a deeper vision or insight, one that becomes blurred or obscured as one delves deeper into the layers of the onion—and, by extension, into the layers of human experience.

The act of peeling onions is described with an almost ritualistic attention to detail, from the removal of the "brittle, / caramel-colored and decrepit / papery outside layer" to the exposure of the "moist middle skins, the sweetest / and thickest." This process of peeling away layers parallels the exploration of one's emotions and memories, where each layer represents a different aspect of the self or past experiences. The description of the innermost layers as "bud-like, / acrid, fibrous skins densely / clustered there" and "the most / pungent" mirrors the core of human emotions, where the most intense feelings—anger, sadness, and even primal comfort—reside.

Matthews uses the metaphor of the onion to delve into the human psyche, suggesting that like the onion, there is nothing to a person "but skin." This layered complexity is both a source of tears and a source of flavor, embodying the bittersweet nature of life itself. The reference to "nuggets of nightmare / and rage and murmury animal / comfort that infant humans secrete" connects these deep layers to the innate, often unconscious aspects of human nature.

The poem concludes by returning to the domestic setting, where the lingering scent of onions on the hands becomes a "rumor / of onions" that pervades the environment. This lingering scent symbolizes the lasting impact of the day's experiences and emotions, subtly influencing the atmosphere of the home. The poet notes how this "domestic perfume" persists even after cleaning up, leaving a trace on everyday objects like the light switch. This enduring presence of the onion's scent serves as a metaphor for the enduring nature of memory and experience, subtly shaping the fabric of daily life.

"Onions" is a poignant reflection on the intertwined nature of the mundane and the profound. Matthews uses the metaphor of the onion to explore the layers of human emotion and the simple pleasures of daily life. Through detailed imagery and thoughtful contemplation, the poem captures the essence of ordinary moments that, upon closer inspection, reveal the complexity and richness of human existence. The lingering scent of onions, much like the lingering emotions and memories we carry, becomes a symbol of the enduring nature of life's experiences, no matter how simple or small they may seem.

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