The Landing

The Landing

Rated: PG

Summary: Tree. Grass. Storm. Parable.

In the middle of the grassy field, there was a tree. Every afternoon, children would race across the field and after they were exhausted they would delight in the shade and comfort the tree provided.

The tree said to the grass smugly, “Look at you! Always being trodden on by everyone, so lowly and pathetic. I am obviously superior to you. I’m tall, strong, and my arms are always open to accept anyone. I provide shade from the sun, a shield from the rain, and all children love to climb upon my limbs. What can you give the world?” it scoffed.

The grass rolled its eyes. “One day, you will find that I have my own valuable qualities. It doesn’t do to be so arrogant.”

The tree merely laughed.

Many moons later, there was a horrible thunderstorm. Rain pelted down from the sky in bullets, thunder roared in the distance, frequent flashes of lightning frightened all the young ones, and the wind was the worst of all. It blew, gusted, and blasted without showing any mercy. The tree felt its former strength gone, but for a while it was able to stand up against the horrible winds.

Then it felt its upper portion falling away.

The tree landed with a loud and violent thud. The grass winced and fixed its beady little eyes on the fallen tree with a sad smile.

“You see? That’s what you get for being so damned smug.”

The tree could only groan in response.