The Lil' Willow (Part I)

(A short story)

by: Kelly Benware

Unassuming and with great effort, the Lil’ Willow broke ground. An earthy smell greeted the Lil’ Willow as the dirt crumbled around all him. Stretching for the first time ever, Lil’ Willow pushed his branches forth, yet could not keep the feeble branches held high for long. He then wiggled his tiny branches and sprouts as a breeze wafted by. Free, refreshing … life bursting forth and, “My is that big Light bright,” he thought.

The Light came and went for the first time; Lil’ Willow learned pretty quick the pattern of the great Light. Joy sang forth as exuberant colors exploded in the sky and the Light kept Lil’ Willow warm during the day. When the Light went down, the wind picked up blowing Willow’s branches back and forth, back and forth. The swaying motion lulled Lil’ Willow to sleep. The wind sent chills down his trunk many nights, all the while Lil’ Willow anticipating the Light.

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Willow was a lone tree on one of many grassy rolling hills. The grassy hills continued as far as Lil’ Willow could see. There were the occasional birds and squirrels that enjoyed the company of Willow’s branches and shade, but really all Willow knew was the company of the Light. Not knowing any different about being alone, Lil’ Willow only knew true loneliness when the clouds crowded in and pushed out his only consistent friend.

As Lil’ Willow woke one morning, his leaves whistled a mighty yawn and shook out the heavy sleep that hung over. The Light had not come out again, as it had not for many days in a row now. Today a cold rain started to drip, drip, drip, drip, patter, patter, patter… and then it poured. Willow’s branches hung low from the weight of the rain drops. Drip, drop, drip, drop… Weariness started to settle over Lil’ Willow. “Why, must the clouds stay,” desperately whispered Lil’ Willow.

Lil’ Willow had begun to crave the Light since he had tasted it and knew it was good. Two sparrows perched on a branch and nestled close together near Lil’ Willow’s trunk. They too seemed too long for the warmth and freedom of the sun. Lil’ Willow heard the cries of the sparrows shivering together. He tried to help get them toasty warm by rustling his leave tightly around them. The sparrows chippered up and sang, “Thank you, thank you, thank you our new friend.”

To be Continued...