The Fig Tree (Japan)

There was once an old couple who lived their lives spending much of their time growing food to eat and flowers for their beauty. Although they were poor, and had little money or goods, working in their garden was a source of joy that made up for what they didn’t have. One day, while planting vegetables, the woman said to her husband, “Look! This would be a lovely place to plant a fig tree.”

He dug his fingers into the earth and said, “You are right. That is a good idea. Let us go and find a tree to plant.” 

Each time they asked people if they knew where to find a small fig tree, people laughed. “You’re too old. Why plant a tree now? You’ll never live long enough to eat any figs.”

“That is true,” said the old woman, “but our grandchildren are young. They will harvest figs for as long as they live.”

“And,” said the old man, “their children will enjoy figs as will their children.”

They found a tree and planted it, enjoying every new sprout of green.

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October 2023 Stories (Click to read.)

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