An Onion at Ninety Degrees

All my thoughts of you, my baby,
Stem from one harsh foggy night,
Rushing Mum from home to birthplace.
In an hour you were in sight.

Oh, so pretty was my Zo-Zo,
Shining pink with lusty cries,
And today you’re such a beauty
Fair of skin with gentle eyes.

All your brothers and your sisters
Cherish you with mighty praise,
Missed you when you left the country,
Know your travels will amaze.

How adventurous is my Zo-Zo!
Travelling the world so vast.
So intrepid is her nature,
Lives so fully, learns so fast.

I love all our conversations,
Hearing all your wondrous news.
I imagine that I’m with you,
In your footsteps, in your shoes.

Level-headed is my Zo-Zo,
Sensible and makes sense too.
Sees the world with no illusions,
Hers the balanced overview.

I knew how you’d shine, my baby,
Saw your future shining bright.
I have wished you such good fortune
Since that dark and foggy night.