The Old Tree
Once upon a time, many years ago, an old tree grew beside the Lake of Meiringen in Switzerland. As it grew older, its branches drooped lower and lower, as though yearning to touch the water.
The Thirsty Tree
The people of the small town of Meiringen looked at the old tree each time they passed by the lake. “That old tree is thirsty,” they remarked, observing its branches bending nearer towards the water. They imagined the tree attempting to drink, much like an elephant with its trunk, yet its branches weren’t long enough to reach down to the water.
The Town’s Resolution
The Mayor and all the Councilmen felt empathy toward the tree, feeling its struggle. Finally, the Mayor declared, “That tree is trying so hard to reach the water, we must help it.”
One Sunday, all the people of Meiringen, led by the Mayor, the Councilmen, and the town’s spirited band, marched towards the lake. Upon reaching the tree, everyone halted. And then, the work began.
The Collective Attempt
Unbuttoning his coat and removing his hat, the Mayor proceeded to climb up to the highest branch of the tree. He beckoned the President of the Council to join him. Likewise, the President gripped onto the Mayor’s legs. One by one, the Vice-President, the First Councilman, and the others followed, until the Seventh Councilman’s feet dangled near the ground. He urged all the people around the tree to pull his legs until the tree bent down to touch the water, enabling it to have a good drink.
An Unexpected Turn
Just as everyone geared up to pull, the Mayor, perched at the top, called down, “Wait a minute, let me first spit on my hands so that I have a firm grip and don’t let go when you all pull.” He let go of the branch to spit on his hands. Suddenly, there was a tremendous splash! As soon as the Mayor let go, all the Town Councilmen plunged into the lake.
Instead of aiding the tree, it was the Town Councilmen of Meiringen who found themselves taking a refreshing dip in the lake. Drenched and slightly embarrassed, they crawled out of the lake and followed the Mayor, back to Meiringen to dry off, with the silent band trailing behind them.