Let the children come,' and they ran from the trees toward…
““Let the children come,' and they ran from the trees toward her. 'Let your mothers hear you laugh,' she told them. And the woods rang. The adults looked on and could not help smiling. Then, 'let the grown men come,' she shouted. They stepped out one by one from among the ringing trees. 'Let your wives and your children see you dance,' she told them. And ground life shuddered beneath their feet. Finally, she called the women to her. 'Cry,' she told them. 'For the living and the dead, just cry.' And without covering their eyes, the women let loose. It started that way, laughing children, dancing men, crying women. And then it got mixed up. Women stopped crying and danced. Men sat down and cried. Children danced. Women laughed. Children cried until exhausted.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker invites all ages to express joy and sorrow, showing that life is a blend of emotions.
In simple terms: Everyone should feel free to laugh, dance, and cry.
Key Takeaway
Allow all emotions to surface.
Themes
emotion
community
ritual
expression
intergenerational
Mood
reflective
intimate
Type
poetic
inspirational
When to use this quote
- family gatherings
- community festivals
- grief counseling
- celebrations
Key Concepts
catharsis
collective experience
ritual
emotional release
Questions to Reflect On
- What emotions are you holding back?
- How does shared expression heal?
A Different Perspective
Some may view public emotional display as inappropriate.