A Path

Ever cry at a movie, or when reading a book, or even when reading something in the newspaper? Often the telling is so engrossing, so real, that it's easy to be part of the tale. Other times the story triggers a familiar story.

But I think there's another reason. Inside there's a reservoir of stored up tears waiting to be spilled. Perhaps they accumulated because there wasn't time for tears, or the event required stoicism, or the sorrow or loss only happened upon reflection-- too late for tears.

Gunther Grass created The Onion Cellar in The Tin Drum where people could go and buy an onion and a cutting board. They then could methodically skin the onion and chop it into pieces.

"It did what the world and the sorrows of the world could not do: it brought forth a round, human tear. It made them cry. At last they were able to cry again. To cry properly, without restraint, to cry like mad."

The movie, book, newspaper story may be an access to the reservoir of tears.