The Tree and the Sun

The Tree and the Sun
By Ryan Slattery
 There was once a tree which grew in an open prairie. Like all trees it grew up and stretched out its branches up towards the sky always desiring to touch, at long last, the golden source of light and life. Try as it might the tree grew tall and strong, but was never able to come near the radiant and warm sun, its one great desire.

                It watched the sun dance day into night into day until months, years, and decades elapsed. “The thing I love most is just too distant for me” the tree said. “If only I were taller!”

                “You’re taller than me!” a young voice said. “What good is being taller?”

                “Look up and see yourself. There is a life-giving warmth, a comforting light, a fiery enchantment I’ve been drawn to from youth to even now. But alas I grew far too small to ever embrace this beauty.”

                The child looked intently at the tree and without speaking quickly ran from the tree.

                I wonder what made the young one trot off in such a hurry the tree considered.

                Shortly after this the child walked carefully back with a small bucket of water. The child waltzed around the tree pouring a circle of water around it, then stood a good distance off. To the great surprise of the tree, the flowers all around it began to grow! Up and up, higher and higher, ‘til lo! The giant flowers were as tall as the tree itself. Then came a sensation, cool and quick, which passed through the roots of the tree. Magical water the tree thought in excitement. Within a moment the tree began to rise and shoot up into the sky, passing the clouds and surveying distant mountains. At last the time came when the tree was face to glorious face with the sun in the heavens. The heart of the tree rejoiced in silence as the warm, loving light of day was eternally at his side.

The End.