The Farmer and The Wisdom Tree🔊

There once lived a humble farmer named Vernon who was known across the township for his generous spirit and the fruits of his toiling. His farm was a patchwork of thriving crops that seemed to grow prosperous under his loving care. Despite his minimalistic lifestyle, he shared his bounty without a hint of avarice, spreading joy and nurturing a sense of community in the small township. But Vernon had a secret.

Vernon's farm was home to an ancient oak tree, majestic and tall, its twisted limbs reaching out to the sky as if to embrace the heavens, an unnoticed spectacle at the edge of the bursting crops. This was no ordinary oak. It was a tree of wisdom that emerged only when the moon was full and high, glowing with an otherworldly light that projected moving, shadowy images on the ground. They were stories from the land, tales of courage and wisdom learned from the heart of earth over millennia. Vernon came to the tree every full moon to soak in its wisdom, growing not just in years but in knowledge as life unfold on his farm.

One fateful full moon night, Vernon noticed the tree was dimmer, its flickering images weak. The once bright, vivid scenes seemed faded, like a hundred year old tapestry losing its color. The culmination of centuries of knowledge was dwindling. Vernon felt a pang of worry in his heart. He so loved these stories, cherished the wisdom they carried.

Vernon met Ancient Selene, the moon’s wise old guardian. She explained the tree was ancient, much older than the township, even the moon itself. Its life force was waning. She presented Vernon with a choice: For the tree to remain, Vernon had to relinquish his wisdom gained over the moons, to let the tree feed on it and flourish. However, he won't lose his memory of the wisdom, but they will appear as dreams fading once he wakes up. It was a heavy price, but Vernon knew he owed his prosperity to this wisdom; he readily agreed.

Selene completed the ritual, transference of wisdom from man to tree; Vernon’s wisdom was absorbed by the tree whose glow returned, albeit faint. Thereafter, Vernon continued to live life in the simplicity that always defined him. A sense of fulfillment filled him, whenever he gazed upon the radiant images beneath the oak on full moon nights.

Despite his lost wisdom, Vernon’s deeds remained virtuous. The man who ploughed earth and sowed honesty into its heart seemed to possess an innate knowledge of virtue and kindness that transcended the wisdom of ages. He remained the beloved farmer of Township, figuring out life from experiences rather remnants of ancient knowledge. His life was difficult yet satisfying.

Many full moons later, pure white light from the oak bathed his tired body and a content Vernon fell into an eternal sleep. He had lived a life of love, sacrifice and humility, far grander than any story the tree could ever show.

After his demise, Vernon’s tale spread through the township. The Farmer and Wisdom Tree became a local legend, a tale told to inspire, to respect the simple life rich in hearts and poor in pretensions. His farm was preserved as a testament to the gentle farmer and his unique bond with the wisdom tree. The farm thrived, perhaps nurtured by the loving memory of the man who had once tended it with his soul’s might.

Vernon’s story was not about gaining wisdom; rather it illustrated letting go of it to save a treasure of immense value for all. His life echoed the sentiment that true wisdom lies not in knowing the most, but doing the best with what one knows. Vernon became a symbol of pure humility, genuine generosity, and the value of sacrifice.