The Tree and the Bending Reed

Beside a river stood a tall tree with a broad crown. At its feet, a slender reed grew among the stones. Each morning, the river breeze rustled them both.

The tree spread its branches proudly over the water. It wondered why the reed always bent when the wind arrived. Surely standing straight would make the little plant look stronger.

The reed answered that its roots were firm beneath the mud. Its stem could bend without letting go. Moving with the breeze was simply the way it stayed safely rooted.

The tree shook its leaves and stood even taller. It had a thick trunk, heavy branches, and a great many roots. It believed that nothing could make it bow.

One afternoon, dark clouds gathered beyond the hills. The river changed from silver to grey. A stronger wind began to sweep across the bank, carrying leaves along the water.

The reed folded low while keeping its roots in place. The tree held its crown stiffly against the gusts. Rain pattered harder, and the branches creaked above the empty bank.

A fierce gust pressed against the tree's wide crown. The wet soil loosened around its roots, and the tree fell across the bank. Nobody was nearby when it landed.

After the clouds passed, sunlight returned to the river. The reed slowly lifted its stem. Bent leaves shook off the last drops, and the small green plant stood upright again.

The fallen tree rested quietly beside the water. Its great size had not protected it from every kind of pressure. The reed's flexibility had helped it survive the same storm.

Soon birds found resting places on the low branches, and seedlings grew nearby. The river kept flowing past them. Along its bank, strength could mean bending as well as standing tall.