"It does me good to write a letter which is not a response to a demand, a gratuitous letter, so to speak, which has accumulated in me like the waters of a reservoir"

In this quote, Henry Miller expresses the restorative nature of composing a letter that is not triggered by an external demand. He describes it as a "gratuitous" letter, meaning it is given or done without payment or obligation. This type of letter is compared to the build-up of water in a reservoir, recommending that it is a natural and needed release of feelings and thoughts. Miller indicates that composing such a letter allows him to easily express himself without any pressure or expectations, supplying a sense of relief and satisfaction. It highlights the power of composing as a form of self-expression and catharsis.