This story relates to an orchard. In that orchard there was a tree that had many leaves. Among those leaves, there was one leaf that had dried up and had turned yellow.1
One day the branch asked the yellow leaf to fall down on the ground. The leaf felt hurt and asked indignantly, "Sister dear, why do you say so? I was born here on this very tree. I grew up here. Now where do you expect me to go?"2
The branch listened to his outburst patiently and replied, " Brother dear, you have become pale and weak. Neither are you fit to provide proper shelter to the pilgrims. I am afraid now you must leave this tree."3
Now before the leaf could reply in its defense, the branch shrugged it off from the tree. The leaf fell to the ground, was very sad and started crying.4
The wind that was passing by at that instant, stopped and asked the leaf the reason for its sorrow. The leaf related the entire incident and said, "I am very sad as I am of no use now."5
The wind listened and smiled, "Dear leaf, please do not think that you are of no use now. Come with me."6
And then the wind blew the leaf along to a place where an ant had fallen into the swift water currents and was desperately struggling to come out of it. The leaf also saw the ant. The leaf was alarmed. The poor ant’s life was in danger. Without a further thought the leaf dived into the swirling waters.7
Instantly the ant climbed on to the leaf. The leaf breathed a sigh of relief. Then slowly but surely the leaf waded through the waves and moved towards the shore.8
Meanwhile the wind was watching all this quietly.9
After a while the leaf managed to reach ashore. After reaching there it waited patiently till the ant had reached a safe place. The ant thanked the leaf.10
Then the wind asked, "Now, do you still really think that you are of no use?"11
But now the leaf couldn’t say ‘yes’ with the same conviction.12
© prabhu dayal khattar13
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 12 of 12
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A great thought behind a simple story. A dried leaf
becomes a hero. Yes, I like the idea. -
Very good! Youe stories are like fables. They teach us lessons we are sometimes to blind to see-- like the leaf not being of use. We all are of use to others.
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I had to come back for another reading of this wonderful moral tale...it does inspire with each reading. And that last line is so effective..."But now the leaf couldn't say 'yes' with the same conviction." This is not only a good story just to read but a good reminder to read again and again...Solid flow and clear personified characters. Peace, Rhonda
beginning: 5, language: 4, plot: 5, ending: 5, dialog: 5, characters: 5.
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This is a lovely tale reminding us that even when we feel we are of use no longer, there is still some "life" left to us, some purpose. There is nothing to criticize here, for as written, it gives that wonderful Indian flavor by the particular use of precise language and the 'polite conversations' of the personified characters. A comforting write with a delicious questioning ending for all of us...Well done!
beginning: 5, language: 5, plot: 5, ending: 5, dialog: 4, characters: 5.
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WOW AMAZING WRITE
I really enjoyed the story.It has a good meaning behind the picture.It kept me involved to see what was gonna happen,bringing out a sort of suspense in the write.
It gave me a feeling of self worth in myself,as we all tend to feel like there is nothing else that we can achieve in life.This write shows that the answer is yes we can.
God Bless
~Cheryl~
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Awww, how sweet. Is this entered in the Children's Story contest...? No, but it should have been. I really enjoyed this piece, and look forward to any more of the like you might write.
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Super stuff.
Very well put together article with fantastic pacing and use of verbage. The story has a worderful feel.
Very very well put together once again.
jsdk.
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Wow its so simply writen! but it gets the point across very well!!!! i really liked it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is great keep up the good work bud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Never start a story with "this story" or "I'm going to tell you about" or "this tale has to do with." Never. Do not tell us what you're writing about. Write it.
Also, this seems to be geared towards children. (I'm not a child, nor do I want to read their stories) It has nothing to do with magic, fantasy or otherwise, and seems to be just a short story with a moral, which is not what this contest is about. A good story, for a kid, not for a contest like this one. And since it is a children's story, I take back my earlier comment about starting the story off that way. I've read many a kids' book that begins like that.beginning: 3, language: 3, plot: 3, overall: 7, ending: 3, dialog: 3, characters: 2.
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i loved the simple style you used which made me feel like i was listening to an acient story that had been passed on through the ages....good write
overall: 6.
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A Beautiful Story
I liked everything about this lovely tale. I wouldn't do a thing different. Bravo!beginning: 4, language: 4, plot: 4, overall: 6, ending: 4, dialog: 4, characters: 4.
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A leaf must leave behind.
Excellent nature magic. An heroic leaf shot from its tree of Life that went out to save another life. Ant life grand? Natures has a way of taking care of its own. And a river ran through this story quite nicely.beginning: 5, language: 5, plot: 5, overall: 7, ending: 5, dialog: 5, characters: 5.
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