My Thoughts (Collection)

The Hummingbird and The Tree

Inspired by: Fables

Genre: Fable, Literary Fiction

It was a warm autumnal temperate day, not the best the forest has seen, yet not uncomfortable. Buzzing through the air, the hummingbird flies at speeds inaccessible by the fastest galloping horse or the quickest fish. While looking for the greenest pastures, the bird perches at a vantage point, a great tree, towering over animals and trees alike.

"Good day," the tree bellows to its newest companion. The hummingbird, caught off guard, politely replies, "Hello, nice to meet you." "For what purpose do you fly so fast?" the great solid-standing tree asks. Taken aback once again, the bird impatiently replies, "Why, to get to the area with the most bountiful fields and the most beautiful creatures." The bird said this, although, in truth, they had searched nearly every corner of the forest, spanning the size of a city.

"I ask you this, in response," the speedster asks, "why do you— like other trees— stand in one place all day. In fact, maybe my question is not 'why' but 'how.'" "It is simple, I lack the facilities for movement, and even if I could leap around like a rabbit, or fly, like you, I would not choose to."

Tired of being confused and surprised, the hummingbird chips, "Well, I ask again, why not? Would you not like to fly like me?" and showing off their wings continues, "Wouldn't you want to reach all the corners of this giant forest, reach the greatest treasures and escape all dangers?"

Before the tree could answer, a woodpecker flew off, having gathered its prey. This prompted the hummingbird to ask once again. "That bird, it was drilling into you, if you could move, surely you would drive it away."

"That bird was merely in need to eat, and the pecking does not hurt me much. Where they peck, I grow back with twice the thickness and twice the strength. As you know, they eat pests within my bark— I am very thankful in this regard, I recall a time in which I had an infection, and all the bugs attracted and equal number of birds. I assure you; I was completely cured in a matter of a day.

As I see you might be slightly confused still, I shall tell you everything I have to say, so you may quickly return to what you were doing previously. My roots are planted deep into the earth, from which I receive a great number of nutrients, I am well acquainted with many plants and animals alike, and I have experienced so many things in this forest. I do invite you to join me with my peers someday, you certainly offer a unique perspective."

To this, the bird finally ceases their enquiry and decides to depart. "Thank you for your thoughtfulness, I will return to business as usual as you said. Goodbye." Flying off, a great chilly wind blows across the region, it blows with it the orange leaves of the tree in preparation for the winter to come.