A Grape Team

One day out in the field a conversation was had. It centered around a grapevine plant.

"I'm the best, for I hold and support the grapes as they grow." says the boastful gnarled trunk of the grapevine. His voice was strong and authoritative.

"I'm sorry to say Mr. Trunk, that I'm the best as I provide shade to the grapes as they grow. I protect their delicate skin from the sun and let the droplets of water quench the thirst of you and the grapes." The leaves moved delicately in the breeze, happy to state their case for why they were the best thing about the grapevine.

The trunk was silent. The leaves danced in the summer breeze.

"You are both wrong." said the purple grapes in their youthful voice. "I'm the best. For the simple reason that without me neither of you would exist." The grapes smiled content they had won the argument.

The leaves bristled and the trunk gnarled more. All three fell silent.

The silence was broken by a delicate voice.

"My dear grapes, your youthful cockiness betrays you." said the sweet, warm voice of the sun.

"You are all dependent on each other. Without one, the other wouldn't exist." The sun was confident, calm and conclusive. She smiled warmth at the plant to show them all love.

After some time passed the sun continued.

"You are all the best, because you are the best for each other. Without each of you playing a role, you wouldn't be. No sweet fruit for eating or drinking. No beauty to see in the green fields."

The plant was silent and calm. Then...

"Are we a team?" It was the grapes who timidly asked.

"Yes, you are my child. you are part of a glorious team. Always remember to nurture and support each other."

The air grew still. The leaves rustled gently in the warm wind. The trunk stretched taller and the grapes basked in the sunlight. All felt connected and as one.

The field grew silent. There was a peace that hadn't been felt in sometime.

The trunk, leaves and grapes were truly a grape team. They never forgot that warm summer day when the sun had reminded them of their relationship.