The tree said to the grass that grew next to it, "It is clear to me that you are so weak that even the grasshopper is too heavy for you. No wonder you are always bending down."
The tree also said that it was big and strong. No strong wind is able to blow it down. It thought that the grass would be much safer if it grew closer to the tree. It could better protect the grass that way.
"I am not afraid of the wind," said the grass, "I bend but I do not break."
That night, there was a fearful storm. The tree remained standing while the gr ass bent itself towards the wind. The wind grew stronger and pulled up the tree. The proud tree was thrown on the ground.
When morning came, the grass stood in the sun. It remained shiny and softly dancing in the wind.
~adapted from a folktale, "The Oak Tree and The Reed"