The Fig Tree had a Dream

The Fig Tree had a Dream

Once upon a time, in a land where people lived in harmony with everything around them, man was related to everything and everything was related to man. The rock people were guardians and keepers of great mysteries.The plant people were the first healers. Man learned from the movement of the sun and the moon, he watched his relations in the animal kingdom how to survive and how to save for a season when food will be scarce. He, like them, lived in groups - like herds - because that was safe. Two better than one… ten better than two.  They would rise with the sun, offer prayers and blessings to the land, they gave thanks to mother earth for all that she gave them. They prayed for blessings from those who lived before them and blessed those who will come after them. 

One day, while the people of the land gathered around a fire along with the children, one of them asked the elder, “Grandfather” she lovingly called him, “What is tomorrow?”  Everyone was puzzled at the question. He called the little one to him and made her sit next to him. 

“ Tomorrow is a dream” , he said, A dream only known to the ones who have been standing tall before us and will after us.”

“How shall we know this dream?”  She asked persistently. “Great spirit has put the dream in grandfather tree”  he said, “One day you will find grandfather tree and then you will know.” The words of the elder remained in the heart of the little girl . She looked forward to everyday with purpose, knowing that she will one day hear from the grandfather tree. 

One night she had a dream. Whilst playing with her friends at the far east corner of the tribe, atop the hill - she saw a tree! It was spring time with the mid-noon sun shining bright on the tree at a distance. She could hear it calling to her. She was reluctant to leave the fun she was having with her friends, but the call was getting stronger. Finding her way towards the hill, it was soon clear to her that the tree was rather tall. It had a white bark and different shades of green leaves. As she got closer she knew it was the tree her grandfather spoke about - the one that had sweet berries on them. The Great Old Sycamore tree stood in all its grandeur. As she walked closer she saw her self age into a young lady and then into a grown woman. Every step made her an age older. She was close enough to touch the grandfather tree  when: “ I have been waiting for you “  the tree said.

The spirit of the tree enveloped her. Overwhelmed with emotions she embraced the tree. As she held her embrace she merged with  the sycamore …………….the grandfather tree showed her what tomorrow was…

It seemed like she was flying on the branch of the tree. There were dark and grey clouds and the noise seemed to be deafening. There was so much chaos! She found herself present among people. Walking with them,she noticed, there were no Elders to give counsel. People were alone. They did not connect with the Great Spirit of the land or the trees. Fear consumed man and animal equally. They were not brothers anymore. There was nothing good to rest her mind on… 

She was back on the branch, hovering over the land again. The sun had set now and she noticed little spots of light. As she got closer, she saw men and women scurrying - seemed like they were searching for something that was lost . She asked them, “What are you looking for?” “We don't know, but surely we lost something ………..we will search till we find it.” they said . She let go of her embrace and looked at grandfather tree with gratitude . 

The next day, she stormed into her grandfather’s hut and said ,” Grandfather…….Tomorrow is Hope.” 

Lets find what we lost.