Forest and Creek: A Tale

Running through the moist forest darkness, in the middle of swamps and mosses, the creek complained that the forest covers both the clear sky and the distant surroundings, does not let clear rays of the sun or naughty breeze to it.

— At least people came and cut down this obnoxious forest! — murmuring the creek.

— My child! – answered him meekly in the forest. — You are still small and do not understand that my shadow keeps you from the drying action of the sun and the wind, that without my protection your still weak jets would quickly dry out. Wait, gather strength before you under my shadow, and then you will run out into the open plain, not by a weak creek, but by a mighty river. Then, without harming yourself, you will reflect in your jets the shining sun and the clear sky, you will safely play with the mighty wind.

Konstantin Ushinsky