PLIANT LIKE A BAMBOO by Ismael Mallari

There is a story in Philippine folklore about a mango tree and a bamboo tree. Not being able to agree as to which was the stronger of the two, they called upon the wind to make the decision.
The wind blew its hardest. The mango tree stood fast. it would not yield. it knew it was strong and sturdy. It would not sway. It was too proud. It was too sure of itself. But finally, its roots gave way, and it stumbled down.
The bamboo tree was wiser. it knew it was not as robust as the mango tree. And so every time the wind blew, it bent its head gracefully. It made loud protestations, but it lets the wind have its way. When finally the wind got tired of blowing, the bamboo tree still stood in all its beauty and grace.