LACHRYMATORY
A 2,000-year-old bottle in a museum
holding the tears of a grieving mother
Only 2 inches high
made of blown glass
First mentioned in Psalms 56:9
“Put my tears into your flask”
Common practice in Roman days
Nineteenth century versions had
stoppers that allowed
the tears to evaporate
When a vial was dry,
the mourning period was over
I wonder if anyone thought
of bottling joy?
— © Abraham Menashe