Under a Cherry Tree

 Maya's eyes filled with tears. She ran out of the house into the park and sat under her favourite cherry tree dressed in scarlet leaves.

She remembered how the girls in her class had been mean to her, teasing her and calling her names. The tears ran down her cheeks and there was no stopping them. Maya sobbed quietly until her crying comforted her. Then, she closed her eyes and sat in silence for a long while.

The wind moved the red, orange and purple leaves in the crown of the tree and a scarlet leaf gracefully floated into Maya's lap. The girl opened her eyes and inspected the beautiful gift of the tree with curiosity. Then, she closed her eyes again and waited.

Only now did she hear the melodious singing of the robins who chipped as beautifully as they could. Maya enjoyed this concert of nature. When she opened her eyes one of the robins flew in front of her making a circle around the tree and then sat on one of its branches. The girl closed her eyes returning to the dreamy silence.

Soft buzzing around her made her open her eyes again and admire a golden bee on her final flight from the beehive. Maya remembered the sweet taste of honey and smiled at her little friend. She felt restored and reassured again so she closed her eyes in comfort.

Then, a sudden gust of wind blew a fragrant scent of red ripe apples towards the girl. Maya gently inhaled the familiar smell and smiled with her eyes and lips, on the thought of an apple and cinnamon tart. What a lovely memory that was!

On opening her eyes, she looked to her left and noticed there were two red mushrooms sitting peacefully in the grass. Dappled with trendy white spots, the poisonous toadstools observed her as she admired them, their perfection and uniqueness. Closing her eyes she realised... the blessings in her life. And she said a little prayer.

'I am grateful for the colourful autumn trees.
I am grateful for the hard-working honey producing bees.
I am grateful for the freedom of ever-singing aves.
I am grateful for my ability to see, smell, hear, touch and taste.
I am grateful for mother Earth's generous fruit.
All that is beautiful, loving, compassionate and cute.'




Activities