Why the Moon Smiles A short story for children by Cliff Howard
In tribute to astronaut Neil Armstrong (5/8/1930 –25/8/2012)
A
t the beginning of time, a lovely lotus flower felt quite sad and asked itself : “Why was I created in such a way that I am forever marooned in this small lonely pond? From here I cannot see more of the world. I cannot grow taller like the trees that can see much further. Also, without wings like the birds around me, I cannot fly afar to explore other places.”
Just then, a soft and understanding voice could be heard above :“You are blessed, in that your exquisite flower is admired by all creatures around you, and artists travel great distances to paint the beautiful shape and colour of your gentle petals. The blind can enjoy your subtle perfume that freely pervades the air, and your fruit can be made into nourishing bread for them. Chinese mystics claim that in your afterlife, you will be the only type of flower chosen to adorn heaven’s holy lake, and there you will meet a multitude of souls.” Having heard this, the lotus flower was grateful for its uniqueness, and it proudly opened its radiant white petals in a bloom of vivid splendour.
N
earby a little snail stopped, and having also heard the voice from above, the snail looked to the sky and asked; “Why was I created without the bright colour and elegant perfume of the lucky lotus flower? I don’t even have proper legs, whereby I am forever crawling on my belly in such a tediously slow manner to get places? Also, I will never be able to visit the great art galleries.”
To the snail’s surprise, a voice from above replied: “Do not compare yourself to the lotus flower. You are blessed in that you are the only creature that can make beautifully shiny and artistic trails wherever you go. The amazing patterns of your winding pathway will always be admired by others, and the Earth is your unlimited canvas on which to paint your intricate messages.” Hearing this, the snail felt important, and happily continued on his way.
1 of 4
J
ust then, an oyster felt a strange urge to pause from its busy schedule. It reflected on its life, looked upward and asked: -
“Why was I created to be so ugly and that I have to spend my life in solitude, working in the dull and murky depths of this cold sea?”
Again, a voice from above replied: “You are blessed in that your home is peaceful and is the only place on Earth where you can build layer upon layer of translucent pearl lustre. One day your magnificent perfect pearl will be admired by the world. It will be worn around the neck of a princess and you will feel the smoothness of her warm skin.” Hearing this, the oyster felt better, and continued working away on the grain of sand.
E
lsewhere a swallow flew down to rest on a branch. It looked up, and asked: -
“Why was I created without hands and fingers? I am unable to write down any of the lovely music that I constantly feel inside me”
And once more, a knowing voice from above replied: “You are blessed in that you have wings with which you can soar high above other creatures. From there you can see the glorious sunrise every morning, and then return to sing sweetly and herald its arrival to the awakening world.” Hearing these comforting words, the lovely swallow was filled with pride, and happily flew upward and off to enjoy the beautiful day.
A
t another place, deep in the forest, an old maple tree looked skyward and asked: “Why was I created to be so rigid and wooden, stuck in the same place forever? Some people treat me unkindly, and I cannot run away or protect myself. 1 of 3
And a gentle voice from above replied: “ You are blessed in that over the years you have been able to establish deep roots that have enabled you to grow strong, and yet flexible. One day a craftsman will come and carve from your beautifully grained timber, a superb violin able to produce amazingly mellow notes that will touch the hearts of everyone.” With this, the tree was uplifted and gleefully waved its elegant and supple branches.
N
ext, a chunk of crusty old rock, lying in the Australian outback, asked;
“ How on Earth could I be useful for anything, or of benefit to anyone ? I’m just an inert lump of dusty old stone”.
Once more a voice from above replied: “ You are no ordinary stone, but a valuable piece of iron ore destined to be discovered with excitement by a mining prospector. When the time is right, you will travel to a steel mill and carefully be forged into a huge ingot. From there you will be skilfully transformed into the finest steel and then crafted into a very sharp cooking knife for use by the world’s best chefs. Eventually you will masterfully slice crayfish to make spaghetti marinara, which when tasted, will create smiles that even heaven envies.” Hearing this joyful news, the iron ore lay back peacefully in the outback sun - in keen anticipation of the great future ahead. Finally, every creature, plant and thing on Earth had heard the inspiring voice from above, and it seemed that happiness had finally filled the land.
H
owever, to the surprise of all, an unexpected question came from very far away. High above the Earth, it was now the moon that looked sorrowful, and asked: -
“Why was I created to be all alone, without the 1 of 2
company of creatures or plants? I am without oceans where oysters can live. I am without good soil for trees to grow, and without rainfall for the lotus flower and snails. I can’t even provide any wind for birds to frolic in.” There was a long silence across all the land. All the creatures were patiently and silently waiting to hear something. Then, from the darkness of outer space, a compassionate voice finally replied: “You are blessed in that you have been created high above the clouds so the warm and healing sun can shine upon you every day. All around the world your remarkable beauty can be seen to inspire poets and lovers; to comfort the sick and lonely, and to give hope to the starving. Remember this when you reliably glow for them in the mystical darkness of night. Your friends and astral neighbours include trillions of sparkling stars in this vast universe. Most of all, you are special in that you have been chosen to watch-over all things on Earth.” Hearing this, the moon immediately felt very fulfilled and needed. The moon beamed a broad, warm smile . . . . as it still does, to this day.
Painting of cat and moon by #CliffHowardArtist [FalconWriting.com.au] Australia
The end
1 of 1