The Tale of the Saplings

Act I    The Beginning

In a garden of old, on a verdant plain,
When life was young, its songs yet unsung,
In a hidden glade, as yet without name,
Two saplings grew, sturdy and true.

Both the mighty oaks and the rustic pines
Looked on with awe at what they saw.
Both the fragrant rose and the lily refined
So gently blushed, their voices hushed.

On the whispering wind, in the rustle of leaves,
A murmur subdued, yet with wonder imbued.
Trees they had seen, but none such as these.
All nature paused, a stir of applause.

The saplings surprised, they looked around,
Slightly confused, yet somehow amused,
Savoring the new attention they’d found.
They stretched their leaves, caressing the breeze.

The Ancient Voice said, “Don’t be amazed.
Despite your youth, they sense the truth;
In beauty you’re flowering before their gaze.
My children you’ll be, the lords of the trees.”

“Life and Knowledge will be your fit names.
But you must endure, until you mature.
Then you’ll be worthy of their praise;
To my words hark!  Show the divine spark!

“Life, you are like a fountain to nourish,
For all living things, a bubbling spring.
Abundantly your seed will flourish,
The father of nations, ceaseless generations.”

“Knowledge, your beauty is truly rare;
Your purity shines, like sapphire mines.
The fruit you bear please treasure with care;
It will be sweet, but you must wait to eat.”

“Can you understand what I’m trying to say?
The fruit is fair, but please be aware,
Before it is ripe is not the right way,
It would sow sorrow, a bitter tomorrow.”

“But when it is ripe how precious to see!
A fruit of true good, I know it would
Cast a light of glory for eternity.
Of this don’t debate, it’s worth the wait.”

The saplings so gently inclined their boughs;
To honor the Voice, it was their true choice.
They promised therefore to keep their vows;
The burden was light, and they knew it was right.

The Ancient Voice carefully watched their hearts.
Their innocence shone, youthfulness enthroned.
Did they realize this was but just the start?
Their sap was eager, yet experience meager.

“Heed the beings of light that are in the garden;
Very wise are they, they know the right way.
The Bearer of Light, he is the Warden;
He was with me, when I planted the trees.”

“As a tutor and protector he’ll be at your side
Till ripe be your seeds, his counsel you’ll need.
But your inner voice, that should be your true guide
And the words I’ve spoken, they mustn’t be broken.”

“For the Light Bearer knows before you he must kneel,
His light is to illuminate, never to dominate.”
The saplings nodded, their understanding seemed real.
The Voice gave a smile, he would rest for a while.

The Ancient Voice surveyed his garden with pleasure;
He felt a deep peace, and so did the trees.
The saplings were by far his greatest treasure;
Sleepily they yawned, their time had dawned.