The Tale of the Two Proud Trees
Once upon a time, in a small village, there were two great trees which grew side by side. One was a Coconut tree, tall and elegant, with its fronds swaying gently in the breeze. The other was a Palmyra tree, sturdy and strong, its broad leaves rustling like they had secrets to share. The trees had stood together for years, and though they were rooted in the same soil, they couldn’t stop arguing. Each one believed it was more important to the village.
One sunny morning, the Coconut tree couldn’t help boasting.
Coconut Tree: “Ah, Palmyra, have you ever noticed how everyone loves me? They climb my trunk with excitement, and when they drink my sweet water, they call me a blessing! I’m the first thing people think of in a temple. Every pooja starts with my coconuts. Can you say the same?”
The Palmyra tree, unimpressed, rustled its leaves loudly.
Palmyra Tree: “Oh, enough of your temple talk! I may not sit in temples, but without me, there wouldn’t even be a village. My jaggery sweetens every festival sweet, my leaves cover their roofs, and my wood builds their fences and carts. You’re just a show-off with a hard head.”
Coconut Tree: “Hard head? At least I’m graceful! Look at your trunk—rough and scratched, like a broomstick that’s been used for years. And what’s your big claim to fame? Toddy? That’s just a drink that makes people forget their troubles… and sometimes their way home!”
The Palmyra tree swayed, clearly annoyed.
Palmyra Tree: “Don’t mock toddy! It keeps farmers happy after a long day in the fields. And don’t forget, I’m strong enough to let people climb me without slipping. Your smooth trunk just makes people fall and laugh.”
Coconut Tree: “Fall? People fall because they’re excited to reach me! During festivals, boys race to climb my trunk. The whole village cheers! You? You’re just a practice run.”
Palmyra Tree: “Ha! At least I don’t cause accidents! Just last week, one of your coconuts fell on Subbanna’s head. He’s still walking around the village, telling everyone he’s Challapalli Raja!
The villagers passing by smiled as they listened to the trees bicker. A group of women carrying water stopped to whisper, “These trees are at it again! Last time, the Coconut called the Palmyra a ‘sugar stick.’”
Finally, an old farmer, with a toddy pot in one hand and a coconut in the other, walked by. He looked up and laughed.
Farmer: “Why are you two fighting like goats in the market? What’s the matter now?”
Coconut Tree and Palmyra Tree (together): “Farmer! Tell us who’s more important!”
The farmer sat under the Palmyra’s shade, scratching his head. He looked at the Coconut tree first.
Farmer: “Coconut, there’s no denying you’re special. Your water cools us in summer, your oil makes our food tasty, and your coir ropes tie everything together. And yes, people offer you in temples. You’re loved.”
The Coconut tree stood taller, its fronds swaying with pride.
The farmer turned to the Palmyra.
Farmer: “Palmyra, you’re no less. Your jaggery sweetens our lives, your leaves cover our homes, and your wood builds our carts. And toddy? Well, let’s just say it makes hard days easier. You’re the strength of this village.”
The Palmyra rustled its leaves happily.
Farmer: “But here’s the truth. A village needs both of you. Coconut, you’re like the younger son—bright and full of energy. Palmyra, you’re like the elder son—strong and dependable. Without one, the other wouldn’t feel complete. Without both of you, this village wouldn’t be the same. Now, stop arguing before I use both of you to build a shed!”
The trees were quiet for a moment. Then the Palmyra chuckled.
Palmyra Tree: “Well, Coconut, the farmer has a point. Your coconuts do make a nice chutney.”
Coconut Tree: “And your jaggery… well, it does make pongal taste better. Maybe we’re both important.”
And So They Stood
From that day, the two trees stopped their arguments—mostly. Every now and then, they teased each other.
One windy evening, as the sun set over the Krishna River, the Coconut tree leaned toward the Palmyra.
Coconut Tree: “Do you think my shade is cooler than yours?”
Palmyra Tree: “Shade? You call that shade? You’re just pretending to be a fan.”
Their laughter filled the air, and the villagers smiled as they walked past. The two trees, once rivals, now stood together, knowing that the village needed them both.
