March: On Death

March 18

Today's reflection was inspired by a quote from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Return of the King. 

Some will say, wrongfully, “Do not cry. It is a weakness.”

Some might say, wrongfully, “Do not cry, they would want you to be happy.” 

You may feel that if you cry you are acquiescing to the reality of Death’s demands.

And the tears will be painted evil and caged within and they will fester and rot and eat away at your body and soul from the inside out. 

Do not let this happen or heed the foolish words of others. Listen to your body and weep. Let the tears fall. Quench the ground’s thirst with your salt and water, clean your eyes and your soul and feel the tightness on your cheeks after the tears have dried. 

Understand the emotion, feel the sorrow and the rage and the hurt and know that you are living . . . and know that not all tears are an evil.

• Reflection title: Blurry Vision
• Creative inspiration: J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
• Reflection Question: Do I let my tears flow free? Or do I fear them and hold them back? Why?