The Tear Bottle

The Tear Bottle

Could such an  ignoble vessel
Contain the depth and august meaning,
Of her brokenness, in sorrow tell,
Her silent grief so overwhelming?

Shall this bottle keep all endearing thoughts,
Carve a masterpiece of his life inside,
Retain the days their blissful lives had wrought,
Enclose a ribboned love their hearts had tied?

Tears to record  her devotion told,
Cannot keep her heart for him completely.
Such weight of treasured memories to hold,
What  great a task,  bottled faithfully!


Note :

Ancient history showed the use of lachrymatory tear bottles that were given as symbols of love, devotion 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.


Cynthia Buhain Baello
August 18, 2012
Philippines

Reviews

[An owl on the moon]

What an achingly beautiful flow and feel... and truly the note adds even more depth to your profound words... Wondrous poetic expression.

[cynthiabuhainbaello]

Thank you Craig

[Poet's Soul]

This was a wonderful poem. I think there is another universe inside a tear that would take many lifetimes to explore and understand. Enjoyed. PS

[cynthiabuhainbaello]

Thank you.

[Marie]

I did not know about this. What a strange and sweet symbol...I like your poem very much.

[cynthiabuhainbaello]

Thank you Marie - I like your poems too and will be reading them more this weekend.

[Tate Morgan]

Loved it I also have written on this very subject in the poem Bottle of rain

[cynthiabuhainbaello]

Thank you Craig - I had to research on this :-) and found it had ancient origins. Intriguing purpose, though.