This is the story of a tree, a "fallen" tree. No, it has not fallen to the ground, it is not chopped off. It is still standing tall, seemingly functioning and very much look like a tree. "Fallen" here refers to the fallen nature of mankind according to Genesis Chapter one. How men have rebelled against God and were judged by God as fallen. This is the fallen tree, referring to its fallen nature just like Adam and Eve and all the generations of human races are.
A tree was growing next to a stream in a deep forest. It grew rather well, its branches spreading out. One day it started fruiting, the fruits budding and attracted a lot of animals especially birds to come near it. The animals awaited eagerly for the fruits to ripe. Then one fine day, as the gentle breeze of the forest blew through the forest, the leaves shook and some fruits fell from the tree as they were ripe by then. The birds flew in with great anticipation, they dived to the forest floor, in search of the fruits. No sooner they found the fruits and had their first bite of the fruits, they all made a strange scream and flew away ! That was rather strange sight. The animals watched in amazement and great anticipation, they dazed to the ramnent of the fruits bitten by the birds, they tried to smell and eat the fruits, the animals that tasted gave out a loud moan and ran away. The next batch of animals were puzzled by this sight, they too, came forward with amusement, wanting to know why the birds and animals have ran away from the beautiful fruits laying on the ground. One by one, different animals came forward, starting from the larger mammals to the smaller tiny ones. At the end, the animals just sniffed and left one by one. More fruits fell but it was not edible, the birds said its bitter. The animals said its too sour and the tiny animals think its poisonous.
The birds and the animals brought the case up at the Animal Kingdom Council where the King of the jungle residing as chairman and ruler. They filed in a complaint against that tree, asking the King to remove the tree or a remedy to heal the tree. The King listened intently how the animals described their anticipation and disappointment over the fruits of the tree.
"We must find out what causes this tree to yield such lowly fruits !" demanded the birds.
"We must find a remedy to heal the tree so that it will bud beautiful fruits like its brothers and sisters further down the stream." said the animals.
The King had an idea. He said, "I think this calls for us to seek the Wise Man of the Forest for help!" Off the King went to see the Wise Man.
Upon seeing the King, the Wise Man asked, "I see the King coming to ask about the fruits of the tree!"
The King was very impressed. "How did you know, O Wise Man?"
"I heard the scream of the birds and the moan of the animals on the very day the fruits ripen." replied the Wise Man.
"Its expected to be so." Nodded the Wise Man.
"Pray enlighten me, O Wise Man! For the grievances of my kingdom subjects is great." pleaded the King.
"Go to the source of the river and there you shall find the reason for this fallen tree and its fallen fruits. For it has been harbouring bitterness, regrets and sadness over and over again until the fruits are bitter, sour and almost poisonous." said the Wise Man.
The King was most puzzled with what could be happening at the source of the river where the tree has been drinking from. He sent a troop to traverse the forest and to go to the river source, the upstream. This was what the troop discovered at the upstream.
At the source of the river was a cottage, lived a widow who was very lonely, she still missed her husband and everyday she would cry while drawing water from the river, the place where they first met. Her tears have made the river bitter and sorrowful. The King quickly came to visit the lady.
"Could I offer you some comfort, my lady?" said the King.
"I could not help it, each time I am at the river, tears will flow non-stop as I remember my beloved. I miss him too much." replied the lady.
"How about it if I were to dig a well, bring the water closer to your home, so that you do not need to walk through the woods to the river to draw water from it ?" offered the King.
"A well just for me ?" exclaimed the lady. "I like the idea."
So, a well was dug just next to her cottage, she no longer go to the river to draw water, she could just step outside and throw the bucket down. The birds and little animals came to visit her everyday, she became happier and always singing when she drew water. Then, the water was healed of the bitterness and sorrowfulness. It became sweet !
"Could I offer you some comfort, my lady?" said the King.
"I could not help it, each time I am at the river, tears will flow non-stop as I remember my beloved. I miss him too much." replied the lady.
"How about it if I were to dig a well, bring the water closer to your home, so that you do not need to walk through the woods to the river to draw water from it ?" offered the King.
"A well just for me ?" exclaimed the lady. "I like the idea."
So, a well was dug just next to her cottage, she no longer go to the river to draw water, she could just step outside and throw the bucket down. The birds and little animals came to visit her everyday, she became happier and always singing when she drew water. Then, the water was healed of the bitterness and sorrowfulness. It became sweet !
Few months later, the forest trees started fruiting again, the animal kingdom watched in great anticipation to see if the "fallen" tree has been healed of its bitterness. As the gentle breeze blew across the forest, there was a sense of hope.
Of course, the result was the King was greatly pleased that his subjects were able to enjoy the fruits of the "fallen" tree that has been healed of its bitterness !
The End.
Note :- 954 words
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