Somewhere high up in the mountainous forest is a small unnamed stream of unimaginable power. Every year when the snow melts this stream turns into a raging torrent of white water trying to escape from the clutches of the mountain. In it's desperate need to get down to the valley and become part of the bigger waters, it cares little about the damage it does to the surrounding vegetation.
There is a tree guarding a turn in this stream, protecting it from rocks and other things that may hamper the waters progress, and for most of the year they have an amicable relationship, the tree protecting the stream and keeping it on its course around the turn, and the stream providing sustenance and life to the tree so it can continue to grow and protect the stream.
But then spring arrives, the glacial snow melts and the stream turns into a bloated angry monster rushing blindly through the forest, washing away everything in its path.
Every year it washes away the soil around this benevolent tree, who's only task is to protect and help the water on it's journey. Over the years the tree has learnt to take its roots deep into the mother earth so it can stay standing during the streams angry spring tantrum. During this time the stream forgets who it's friends are and tries hard to push the tree away, but the tree has learned to be patient because it knows the anger will pass and once again the stream will provide life giving water to the tree.
The tree however, bears the scars of these mighty encounters every year, as many of the trees roots, which should be below ground rest above the soil exposed to the harmful sunlight, which can burn and damage it's fragile roots. And the tree has also learned that the water, while angry and raging in the spring, provides soothing coolness and healing to its exposed roots.
And so the tree and the stream remain bonded in friendship as each provides benefits to the other, without which neither could survive.
Posted this elsewhere thinking I could get it to link here but new here and no idea what I am doing yet - just starting to find my feet. If I need to remove the other post, someone let me know please and I will take it down.
Hope you like the picture.
RE: The Old Dog Reminds You: Don’t Forget The Ridiculous Roots Contest! Win b Steem ...