The Oak and the Reed

A massive, ancient Oak Tree stood proudly by the edge of a river. Beneath its sprawling, thick branches grew a patch of slender, flexible Reeds.

The Oak Tree often mocked the Reeds. "Look at you," the Oak boasted. "You are so weak and pathetic! The slightest breeze makes you bow your heads. Look at me! I stand tall and unbending against the strongest winds. Nothing moves me!"

The Reeds remained silent, bowing gently as the wind blew past.

One night, a ferocious hurricane swept through the valley. The wind howled and tore at the trees. The Oak Tree braced its thick trunk, refusing to give an inch, fighting the wind with all its rigid might. The Reeds, however, simply bent completely over, flattening themselves against the ground as the storm roared above them.

When the morning sun rose, the Reeds stood back up, completely unharmed. But the mighty, proud Oak Tree had been ripped out by its roots and lay destroyed on the riverbank.