"My Fables" (Completed)

47TH FABLE: ENGLISH

"The Fable of the Rock and the Iron"

Once upon a time, in a small village nestled between towering mountains, there lived a humble rock and a proud piece of iron. They were neighbors, residing on opposite sides of a babbling brook that flowed through the village.

The rock, content with its sturdy existence, was known for its unwavering stability. It had weathered countless storms and witnessed the passage of time, always remaining steadfast and dependable. The iron, on the other hand, possessed a gleaming surface and boasted of its strength and versatility. It believed itself to be superior to the rock, looking down upon its unassuming neighbor.

One sunny day, a powerful flood surged through the village, wreaking havoc upon everything in its path. The rock, rooted firmly in the ground, remained unshaken, providing a safe refuge for the villagers who sought shelter upon it. Its unyielding nature proved to be an invaluable asset during the calamity.

Meanwhile, the iron, with its arrogance and inflated ego, was not prepared for such a catastrophic event. As the floodwaters rose, the iron struggled to maintain its composure. It was no match for the torrential force of the water, and it was soon swept away downstream.

The rock, witnessing the iron's distress, extended a helping hand. It called out, "Hold onto me, dear iron! Together, we can weather this storm."

But the iron, consumed by its own vanity, refused the rock's assistance. It cried out, "I am far superior to you, insignificant rock! I don't need your help."

The floodwaters grew fiercer, and the iron found itself helpless and vulnerable. It banged against debris, battered by the unforgiving currents. In its moment of despair, it realized the error of its ways. The iron finally acknowledged the strength and stability of the rock, wishing it had been more humble and accepting.

With the floodwaters subsiding, the iron eventually came to rest upon the muddy banks downstream. Dented and weary, it reflected upon its foolish pride and realized the value of humility and unity. The iron sought out the rock, expressing remorse and gratitude for its steadfastness.

The rock, gracious and forgiving, extended its solidarity to the iron once again. Together, they decided to form a bond, realizing that their individual strengths could complement each other. The rock provided stability and grounding, while the iron brought strength and flexibility.

As time passed, the rock and iron became inseparable companions, working together to benefit the village. The villagers, witnessing their harmony, recognized the wisdom in their collaboration and drew inspiration from their unity. The fable of the rock and iron taught them the significance of humility, cooperation, and the strength that lies in embracing one's unique qualities.

Lesson:

And so, the tale of the rock and iron became a timeless reminder to all who heard it, that no matter how different we may be, by recognizing each other's strengths and working together, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way.