Bibi’s little garden had lots of fruit trees and colourful flowers.   Amongst them there was a pomegranate tree, which had quite a lot of juicy pomegranates.   The fruits were so ripe and sweet that forced the tender skin to crack open.  The seeds were shining like bright red rubies.  This tree looked so healthy and happy as if she was smiling at everyone.   All the children were staring at it, as if she was talking to them.

“There's an interesting tale about this tree.  Bibi will tell you all about it.” said Saba excitedly. 

The children ran inside the little cottage to learn more.  So Bibi started the story as soon as the children sat on the Persian rug.

******* The Unhappy Tree*******

It was late Spring when the blossoms on the pomegranate tree were turning into sweet, juicy fruits.

It had been raining for a few days.  The pomegranate tree was fed up and couldn't stand the wet grounds anymore. 

“I'm so tired of this rain.  It’s been pouring down non-stop for more than two days.  Can you please go away” said the tree to the clouds.

The clouds felt so sad.  They decided to take their backpacks and go away to faraway lands.

The sun came out.  She scattered her brightness and warmth everywhere.  The birds started singing again.  The Pomegranate tree was very happy.   The fruits were now growing faster and becoming bigger. 

“Ah… that’s better.  It’s a bit warmer and drier now.” Said the pomegranate tree with a sigh of relief. 

She and her friends were quite happy and warm.  A few days went by.  It was starting to get quite hot and dry.     There was no breeze to keep them cool.   Other plants were getting thirsty. 

“Look what you've done now.  We’re hot and thirsty” they said.

“Stop complaining.  What’s wrong with you lot?   There’s lots of water underground for all of us.” The pomegranate tree said to the plants. 

Another few days went by.  The Pomegranate tree started to feel hot and thirsty.   “I’m so tired of the sunlight.  It’s been getting hotter and hotter every day.  I’m getting very thirsty now.  Can you please go away” she said to the sun.

The sun felt so sad.  She decided to take her backpacks and go away to faraway lands.

The moon, which hadn’t been seen for a while, started to show his face.   He scattered his light over the fields.

“Ah, that’s better.  It’s a bit cooler now.” Said the pomegranate tree.

The nights passed by and the plants were feeling better. 

The pomegranate tree started complaining again “I can’t sleep when there’s so much light.  I haven’t slept for a few nights now.  Could you please go away and let me rest?” 

The moon felt so sad.  He decided to take his backpacks and go away to faraway lands.

Suddenly everywhere got quite dark.   It was pitch black and nobody could see anything.   

“Ah, that’s better.  Let’s have a good night’s sleep.” Said the pomegranate tree.

A few nights passed by.   It was getting quite cold. 

All the other plants turned around and said to the pomegranate tree:  “Look what you‘ve done now.  Everywhere is so dark, we can’t see anything.  We are cold and thirsty.”

“I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to cause any problems.” She said.  “I’m not feeling well either.  The pomegranates are not growing anymore and are getting dry.   I wish we could have the moonlight, some rain and sunshine again.” 

As soon as she said these words, suddenly the moon felt happy and came back, followed by sun the next day and some rain the day after. 

The pomegranate tree and all the other plants were happy .  The birds started singing again. The pomegranates started growing again and became quite juicy and sweet.    The flowers were blooming.  Everything was back to normal again. 

The pomegranate tree realised that she has to be grateful and appreciate what she’s got.  She realised that everything in nature happens for a reason.  Since then she has always been happy and smiling. 

-