SHORT STORY

THE MOUNTAIN VIEW

There was a majestic mountain at the edge of the barrio. The slopes were steep and rugged. Not many climbed it. Not even the villagers nearby. Most visited only the foot of the mountain to gather firewood. An old man, was one of the few who climbed to the top. He often described the view. The mountain was in the middle of a plain. He would tell about the view of the rice field and vegetation.

One day, four farmers decided to hike to the very top of the mountain.. They were curious to see the much-vaunted view. So nearly in the morning they began the ascent.

The first farmer happened to wear relatively new shoes. They were tight and comfortable. So throughout the climb, he kept complaining about his feet that hurt. He missed the view.

The second farmer saw the gathering clouds, he kept worrying that rain may come. As the clouds darkened, he alerted others for the coming downpour. He looked around for possible places for shelter against the rain. He missed the view.

The third farmer saw many things and wanted to possess them. He saw a big tree and wanted it for his furniture. “I wish I could cut the tree and bring it home.” he said. A wild deer dashed into the bush. And he wanted it for a pet or a meat for his food.. He missed the view.

The fourth farmer did not complain about his shoes. He was not bothered by any impending downpour. He was not greedy for the material things along the way. He alone saw the view from the mountain.