Cynthia BuhainBaello (November 17,1949 / Manila, Philippines)
The Tear Bottle
Could an such inadequate, ignoble vessel
Contain the wondrous depth and august meaning,
Of all her brokenness in sorrow tell
And capture thus her grief so overwhelming?
Shall this bottle keep all endearing thoughts,
Carve there a masterpiece of his life inside,
Retain the days their blissful lives had wrought,
Enclose a ribboned love that their hearts had tied?
Tears to record all her devotion told,
Yet cannot keep her heart for him completely.
Such weight of treasured memories to hold,
And great a task to carry faithfully!
Note: Ancient history showed the use of lachrymatory tear
bottles that were given as symbols of love, devotion and deep affection, or remembrance. The bottles measure 2' to 4' in height and is made of glass or ceramic and has a long neck - it is shaped like a tear. It was found in ancient Egypt and in Persia.
King David wrote about it in Psalm 56: 8.
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