The Bitter Rose

Once, there was a bitter Rose in bitter soil. She wilted and festered in that bitterness day and night.

One afternoon, a Bee came bumbling along and asked the Rose, “Are you happy in that bitter soil, bitter Rose?”

The Rose snapped, “Of course not! Who would be happy in bitter soil?”

The Bee fluffed itself indignantly at the Rose’s tone. “Why not try moving to the meadow over there?” He pointed his stinger at a beautiful meadow.

“I can’t just get up and fly over there like you can, Bee.” The Rose complained. “My roots go too deep!”

“You can just grow over there a little at a time.”

“That’s impossible.”

“Have you ever tried?” The Bee asked. Without another word, he zipped off on his merry way.

The Rose sat there deep in thought, still soaking in bitterness.

Time slid by, and the Rose began shifting her roots toward the meadow. She griped and grumbled, pouted and sighed, but never did she cease her agonizing journey.

One day, the Rose realized her petals had bloomed into a radiant spiral, and was surprised to find herself in the meadow. The Bee from before zipped up and buzzed congratulatory circles around her.

“Ha! I knew you could grow over here if you tried! Do you like this soil?” the Bee asked.

“Yes, but I’m used to the taste of bitter soil.”

“Are you happier?”

“Yes, I suppose.”

“Then get used to this taste instead,” the Bee said.