The Mighty Tree

Once upon a time,

there was a mighty tree at the centre of the village square.

This tall tree had long thick branches, which was full with clustered leaves,

providing a shade and a cool place to hide,

on days the weather was unbearable.

The fruits from the tree were large and juicy,

and provided required sustenance for the people.

A lot of the villagers believed that the tree had healing properties,

since they rarely fell ill.

One day, a traveling sage from afar came to the village.

He told people that he knows the reason for their being backward,

and the people listened with rapt attention, 

because the sage is reputed to have been to several lands.

He told them that the mighty tree is blocking the face of the heavens,

and the gods do not see the needs of the people, hence their backwardness.

And the sage left.

For months, the elders in the village debated amongst themselves,

Finally, they agreed that what the sage told them must be true.

So, they cut down the tree, and made of it a mighty Idol,

placed at the centre of village square.

The village square became a temple of worship,

and they were all happy that they can now see the face of the heavens,

and believed the blessings of the heavens will now be unlimited.

Worship, worship, and fervently, they worshiped.

They danced, and they danced in circles around the idol.

They cried, and cried onto the heavens, for fruits to drop,

They wailed, and they wailed, for the gods to shower blessings upon them.

They fasted,  and they fasted, for heaven's  blessings.

But no rewards came forth from the heavens.

And the wise elders amongst them, decreed that they needed more worship,

farm days were reduced to two and worship day was increased to five.

And they continue to this day to wait for manna from heaven.