This is the first installment in a collection of mini stories I have written over the years. These short fiction tales are filled with hidden meanings and lessons I never want to forget. The characters are based on real individuals I know and have learned from. Welcome to the first piece in Geri’s Collection of Folklore and Fables. Enjoy!
William and the Wind (a fable)
William was a strong man and he was made stronger by the Wind that carried him. One day William saw a small town at the bottom of a steep hill. At the top of the hill was a giant boulder about to come loose and smash the little town. William wanted to save the town so he stepped in front of the boulder and used his strength to hold up the heavy rock. William held the boulder, the Wind held William and the town was protected and loved.
The town’s people were very grateful and they loved William and the Wind for saving them. The people felt safe. The town’s people knew that William and the Wind could not hold the boulder forever and so they decided to move the town away from the hill. While the town worked to move their homes they never worried because they knew William would not let go of the boulder. They looked up at him and felt safe.
After the town was moved the people decided to celebrate. A young lady from the town came to William and the Wind and said “You have saved the town, now come and celebrate with us.” But, William said “No. I must keep this boulder in place. I am the only one strong enough to hold it.” William would not let go of the boulder. The young lady felt confused.
Some time later a little boy came to William. He said “William, you have saved the town and are a hero, now come and teach me because I want to be like you.” But, William said “No. I must keep this boulder in place. I am the only one strong enough to hold it.” William would not let go of the boulder. The little boy felt disappointed.
Many years later a strong young man came to William. He said “William, you have saved the town, now I am strong and young. Let me hold the boulder so that you may rest.” But, William said “No. I must hold the boulder in place. I am the only one strong enough to hold it.” William would not let go of the boulder. The young strong man felt useless.
One day a very old wise woman climbed the hill to see William. She said “William, you have saved the town. The people have celebrated without you, they have grown up not knowing you, they have been unable to help you. The town is safe. You must let go of the boulder.” But, William said “No. I must keep the boulder in place. I am the only one strong enough to hold it.” But, William’s arms had begun to shake.
The wise old woman said “William, the town is safe and you must come home. Please let go of the boulder.”
William said “No. My arms are tired and the Wind has grown quiet, but I will not let go. I have become afraid of the town and the people. If I let go of the boulder I would be lost, for the only home I have ever known is in the shadow of the boulder.”
William had saved the town long ago but now he would not let the town save him. He would not let go of the heavy rock and the old wise woman was very sad for she could see that William and the wind had grown too tired to hold the boulder in its place and too afraid to ever let it go.
The End.
What does the story mean to you? Have you ever known someone like William or have you ever felt like William? I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas. – G.R.
Geri Rene 