THE ROCK AND THE ROSE

Once upon a time there was a Rock, he was only nine inches around with a very rough surface. One day he decided that he wanted to be the highest Rock in the world; he always determined to do what he wanted so he set out on his adventure. This was no small feat for such a little rock.

It took him numerous years traveling in the rain, snow and heat. Up and down the hills and over the mountains he’d progress daily. Until one day he climbed the highest mountain on the earth. Upon his arrival he placed himself on the pinnacle that overlooked the entire world.He delighted in knowing that he was the only Rock that had ever reached such extreme altitudes. Finally he rested in the evening as he gazed up at all the stars and heavenly bodies that seemed to be at his fingertips. The Rock realized something was missing though…

Not too far from where the Rock was perched, there lived a Rose, planted firmly on a hill overlooking a lush meadow. She stood regally with a glowing red color. Her fragrance was a sense awaking aroma that could be found in no other flower. When it rained the Rose was cleansed with the dawn of the day. The Rose was also nourished by the sun’s rays as they traveled over the majestic mountain peaks; the warmth opened up her petals, saturating the air all around with her intoxicating scent until it reached the Rock. Suddenly he was wide awake!

The Rock was astonished at such a glorious aroma and his curiosity made him set out to discover the source. He was beside himself as he realized he didn’t know too much about anything. He became confused because he wanted to find out more about this amazing scent all the while maintaining his newly found stature. He wondered if he could have both; was it possible to be mighty, all the while being intoxicated by an unknown mind blowing, fragrance? He was determined to find out!

His trip to reach the source of this aroma didn’t take him years as before; the trajectory was all downhill so it was only a matter of days of following the mysterious scent. As he journeyed on he became aware of how lonesome it was to be him; bearing the title of the highest Rock in all the world, he’d find himself bored with no one to talk to… most rocks are hard and alone and he was no exception. He continued on with his search, undaunted…

The closer he came to the heavenly meadow, the stronger the scent became and he grew even more curious. He picked up his pace until he arrived at the place where the aroma seemed to rest. He stopped to take in the breath taking views and saw no one stirring about. He quickly noticed some sparrows circling above and some grey squirrels playing tag near a single red Rose. Suddenly he understood where the powerful fragrance had emanated from; the Rock and the Rose regarded each other with much surprise and mutual curiosity. The Rock broke the silence and boldly approached the Rose, introducing himself,

“I’m the highest Rock in all the world! I detected a new fragrance from my perch over the hill and decided to investigate. After several days of travel the scent lead me to you!” The Rose simply answered,

“Thank you!” She grew annoyed with him the more he tried to fill the silence with his nervous small talk. She was in her own private meadow and the many words from the ugly rock were not at all welcomed. She turned on him and spat out,

“ There is no place for your kind here! Please stop spoiling this tranquil vibe and be on your way…”

This abrupt display made the Rock want to be with the Rose all the more so he blurted out,

“ I just want to protect you and care for you!
The Rose laughed at his silly notion and she retorted,

“ Get back up to your mountain top, where you belong!”

This made the Rock break down and weep, something that he had never experienced in his whole existence. The Rose was caught off guard as she paused to look at the squirrels playing nearby and the swallows circling above; his cry was so genuine and tender that it made her feel a bit sheepish at her previous outburst. She was particularly astonished at seeing how the Rock was breaking open with each tear he shed; as she looked closer,the Rock had split wide open and inside he was filled with numerous precious royal blue gems that gave off a brilliant light.

She suddenly spoke out softly to the Rock,

“ I’m so sorry for my rude manners; you just taught me a valuable lesson; there is more to someone than what’s on the surface. Please stay with me in the meadows and we can enjoy each other’s company…”

The Rock interjected excitedly,

“ But of course, I’d like nothing more! Besides, mountain top living is pretty lonely!” He looked at the squirrels playing nearby and took in the majestic eagles pairing off in the wild blue skies above. So the Rock positioned himself around the Rose and they both adorned the meadow and made a beautiful life for themselves.

Moral: There is always more to the surface of a rock; there’s always more to the mountain top.

David Earl Brincat © 2022

In Loving Memory of:

David Earl Brincat: 7/7/50-7/21/20