Winter and Spring
Long ago, in a great forest where the winds sang songs, cold Winter and beautiful Spring lived together. Winter loved white snow and sparkling ice very much. Spring, on the other hand, brought colorful flowers, green trees, and warm sunshine. The charming animals in the forest danced joyfully when Spring arrived. Winter looked upon this situation with a bit of jealousy.
One day, Winter went up to Spring and began to speak with pride. "I am stronger than you because everyone fears me," said Winter. "When I blow my cold wind, people hide in their homes," he added. Spring looked at him with a sweet smile. "Strength is not merely scaring people," said Spring. "When I arrive, the earth awakens and joy is born," she replied.
Winter wanted to show his power by blowing a harsh wind. But Spring merely smiled with her warm sunshine. Warm sunbeams slowly melted the cold snow. Gray clouds drifted away and the sky turned deep blue. Birds began to chirp in the trees and colorful flowers began to bloom.
Winter understood the power of love and warmth. He quietly stepped back and left his place to Spring. A sweet tongue and a smiling face are always stronger than harshness. A gentle tongue draws the serpent from its den.