I peeled off a layer Confronted with another Behind it was a story Often told by my mother When she was a little babe Barely knew to talk She sang all day and all night long Screamed at four o'clock Back back back Back back back Back back back Back back back I peeled off the skin Of pungent heads of garlic My uncle used to eat them raw He found it so cathartic The smell would seep through his sweat From immigrating west Tomatoes, parmigiano Olive oil through a press Back back back Back back back Back back back Back back back I peeled off the Shoulds The Ought Tos, the Musts It wasn't always pretty It drew a little puss Those layers kept me warm Now piled on the floor Here I am, on my feet Walking out the goddamn door Back back back Back back back Back back back back back Back back back back back Back back back back back Back back back back back