TheBanyanTree: in the rainforest

[Mike Pingleton]

It isn't the tallest tree in the rainforest, but with its many trunks
and branches it is the largest, by far.  Creatures of all kinds find
shelter under it, or by climbing on it.  Its leaves are beautiful,
multicolored and beyond description.

Humans know about the tree as well, and at times they gather underneath
and tell stories to each other. Those telling stories tell of their lives
and loves, of their struggles and triumphs, and those listening nod and
say to themselves, I see how it is for Story Teller.  Some listen more
and tell few stories; others have much to say.  All who wish have their
turn, and their say, and the telling lasts far into the night. In turn
the humans follow the many paths back to their homes.  Tomorrow or perhaps
another day they will head back down the well-marked path to the tree.

A curious thing happens, almost unseen.  For each story that is told, a
new branch shoots off the tree, or maybe a new trunk, or perhaps a number
of beautiful multicolored leaves suddenly appear.  Over time, the tree
spreads far and wide, and grows more and more beautiful.  Over time, more
and more people find their way to places underneath the tree.

But nothing in nature is perfect; nothing grows without sustenance, nothing
thrives without nuture.  A story is told, and someone listening becomes
upset.  I do not like that story, they say; I do not want to hear your 
stories.  Other listeners become upset and speak, some also do not like
the story, some speak up to defend the storyteller.  Soon, the wide spaces
under the tree ring loud with discordant voices.  Nobody is telling stories
any longer, and no one cares to listen.

Another curious thing happens, almost unseen.  For each voice that speaks
without telling a story, a leaf withers and turns black, or a branch breaks
off and falls to the ground, or perhaps a trunk crumbles into rotted ruin.
Over time, the tree recedes, growing smaller, with fewer branches and fewer
beautiful leaves.  Over time, the paths to the tree become overgrown, as 
fewer and fewer people walk them.

It isn't the tallest tree in the rainforest, but with its many trunks and
branches, it is the largest by far.  It waits with the patience only trees
possess.