The leek

There is a common theory that an individual's personality is like an onion, with layers of public image overlaying one's true self. I don't really like this theory. It seems to suggest that the external layer is not truly us. And it leaves little room for variation within each layer, space to be true to ourselves while at the same time acknowledging that what is seen may vary according to social context.

Maybe it's because I am Welsh, or maybe it's because I was cutting up leeks for tea, I concluded today that a leek-theory would be better...


From fragile first shoots
Cowering underfoot
Fighting for the light
Steadily we grow
'Til tough angular stems
Stand exposed
Veined with purpose
And vibrant strength
But beneath this bold show
Something subtle grows
From authentic roots
Hesitantly uncovered
Peeling back the layers
We acknowledge
The complex variance
Within each tier
And every shade
Remains as true.