THE TREE AND THE GRASS


   Once upon a time there was a large forest. Beside the greatest tree in this forest grew a humble clump of grass. One day the giant tree looked down at the little clump of grass and, in a mighty voice, said,
   "Little grass! Look at me! I am surely the mightiest tree in all the world. Follow my example and you shall surely become the greatest grass that exists! Be strong and defy your enemies, so that they know that you are unbeatable!"
   Then came the terrible 100 year wind. The forest shook before Its power. The mighty tree shook its branches in defiance at the wind. The tiny clump of grass below, however, would bend before the wind, it's slender blades leaning over so as to almost touch the ground.
   The horrible storm got stronger and stronger, until finally, with a dreadful groan, the giant tree's roots gave way and it came crashing down. Only then did the wind die away.
   The next day, as the tree lie dying, it whispered to the clump of grass:
   "Grass, why is it that you still live? Indeed, you appear almost untouched by the storm."
   "Mighty tree," replied the grass, "I bend as the wind blows, for by refusing to do battle, I cannot be beaten. Peace and humility are stronger than power and defiance."


Garry M. DeLong
February, 1988