The Squirrel and the Tree

Summary

A young squirrel learns the value of perseverance and responsibility by completing the task of planting ten nuts before being allowed to climb the biggest tree, gaining a valuable life lesson.

Abstract

In "The Squirrel and the Tree," a fable, a young squirrel is eager to climb the biggest tree in the yard but is tasked by her mother to first plant ten beautiful nuts. Despite initial enthusiasm and partial completion, the squirrel becomes distracted and disheartened when she does not immediately achieve her goal of climbing the tree. However, when faced with the imminent threat of the tree's destruction, she is motivated to finish her task. Upon planting the last nut, she earns the right to climb the tree, discovering not only the joy of accomplishment but also the broader perspective that comes with hard work and dedication.

Opinions

The fable conveys the importance of following through with one's commitments and the satisfaction that comes from completing a task.
It suggests that immediate gratification pales in comparison to the rewards of patience and effort.
The story emphasizes the role of parental guidance in teaching children the value of hard work and responsibility.
The narrative implies that a change in perspective can lead to a deeper appreciation of one's achievements and the world around them.
It subtly comments on the importance of nature and the environment, as the squirrel's task contributes to the growth of more trees.

The Squirrel and the Tree

a fable

The young squirrel wanted to climb the biggest tree.

But her mother told her “Baby girl, you must find 10 beautiful nuts and plant them in the ground, then you may climb the biggest tree.”

Excited for the adventure, the young squirrel set out with fervor. She found at once three lovely nuts and went about selecting the perfect spot for planting. Digging was hard, but she worked her tiny paws in the earth, shoved the precious nuts into the hole and buried them.

The young squirrel simmered with pride. She immediately set out and found 4 more round, perfect nuts with not one blemish on their pericarp.

Her mother had taught her all about nuts and how to select the most precious ones for planting.

“Mother,” she begged, gesturing to the mounds on the ground, “Look, look what I did! Now I want to climb the biggest tree!”

“But you only planted 7 nuts my dear, and though this is a wonderful accomplishment, this was not all that was asked of you.”

Disappointed, the young squirrel went away and sat at the base of the biggest tree. She peered up at the long neck of that trunk extending so gracefully into the sky. Oh, why must I have to do all of this work, she complained to herself. Perhaps I’ll come back to it later, or Mother will take pity on me and let me climb that big tree, after all, I did work very very hard!

Weeks passed and the word in the yard was that the man was going to cut down the biggest tree! All of the squirrels were chattering amongst themselves, including the other young squirrels who had already climbed the biggest tree.

The young squirrel, teased by her yard mates, and feeling rather sorely indeed, begged her Mother again but to no avail. “You have been playing in the yard, my dear, when all you have left is 3 nuts to plant. You could have it done so quickly! You may not.” Her Mother stood firm, paws resting at angles on her hips.

With a heavy heart, the young squirrel lowered her head and her tail. She turned to face the yard, vast and filled with tall lush grass, round sprawling bushes and brambles, and the edge of the woods, lined with walnut and oak trees. She sighed and contemplated the last of the work.

A brief wind stirred and lifted her mood. She stood erect and puffed out her chest and set out across the yard to finish her quest. With her Mother standing proudly by, the young squirrel shoved the last of the dirt over the final nut and whirled around to beam with pride. She looked up again at that great, wide trunk reaching into the sky and her Mother flipped her chin in approval.

The young squirrel sucked in her breath and dashed straight up! Her toenails clung with expertise — oh she was ready for this climb! She spiraled and scampered and scarcely took a breath as she raced for the sky. Up, and up, and UP she went until almost at once she had reached the top-most limb.

The breeze smelled so lovely from here! The view took her breath from her tiny lungs. Up here she could see as far as her tiny eyes could see!

This is a fable about finishing what you start, about doing what is asked of you, and about the reward you work for coming to fruition…but, it is mostly about perspective. You may take the meaning to be different but this is the spirit in which it was written.

Thank you for reading.