(A folktale about forgiveness written by a 10-year-old of SorryWatch’s acquaintance.)
Cardinal lived in a forest in a great oak that tickled the clouds. He could see the waterfall and the roses and the big bright sun. And Cardinal was not alone in the forest. Crow often visited in the mornings. Rose would compliment Cardinal nearly every day (for roses are very flattering). Cardinal loved the forest and every day, he would sing.
One day, Crow stopped by and asked Cardinal a question. A question that planted a seed of worry in Cardinal’s mind. And although he did not know it, that seed would soon grow into vines that would tangle Cardinal with fear and anxiety.
“Cardinal, why do you sing all day? Why not do something useful?”
Crow had given the seed its first watering.
“Well it– I– well…oh.”
Cardinal realized he had never even thought about why he would sing.
“Why do I sing? What have I accomplished by singing?”
Thoughts crammed Cardinal’s head. Cardinal was unable to sleep that night.
In the morning, Rose was curious as to why Cardinal was not singing.
“Cardinal, I have always enjoyed your singing, and I know you did too. Open your beak and let the notes fly out!”
This comment from Rose did nothing to improve Cardinal’s foul mood. In fact, it gave the seed of worry its final watering.
“You have spent your entire life sitting in a field! Does someone like you really deserve to criticize me!!!”
Tears poured from Rose’s eyes like a waterfall. Cardinal was ashamed.
“I am no better than Crow,” thought Cardinal. He wrapped his soft, black feathers around Rose.
“I truly did not mean what I said. I was tired and frustrated. I hope you can forgive me.”
Rose wiped away the final tear and smiled at Cardinal.
“You are forgiven.”
But all was not the same. When Cardinal hugged Rose, some of her scarlet color had rubbed off. Cardinal smiled at his new red feathers…and started to SING.
That is both lovely and amusing.
Well I love that times a million.