The Water Beetles

Once upon a time, there was a little pond.

There, in the muddy water beneath the lily pads, lived a happy community of water beetles. They lived a simple and comfortable life in their pond, with few disturbances and interruptions.

Occasionally, a great sadness would come to this community, when one of their fellow beetles would, without explanation, climb the stem of a lily pad and would never be seen again. They all knew when this happened, that their friend was dead, gone forever. They grieved for these lost companions, and missed them terribly, as they continued their water beetle activities, living their water beetle lives.

One day, a little water beetle felt an irresistible urge to climb up one of the stems. He really loved his family, but was determined that he would climb to the other side of the lily pad. He would not leave forever . . . he would simply have a look around, then come back and tell everyone what he had found.

The little beetle set out in curiosity and wonder, and even a little fear. When he reached the top of the stem, he climbed out of the water onto the surface of the lily pad. Here was a whole new world of sunshine and blue skies!

The trip had been a long one. He was very tired, and the amazing warmth from the sun felt so good, he decided he must take a nap before heading back to tell his loved ones how wonderful it was up here.

As he slept, his little body underwent a miraculous change.

He woke to find he was no longer a water beetle, but had turned into the most beautiful blue-tailed dragonfly, with glorious broad wings and a slender new body designed for flying. This was amazing!

He flexed his new wings and was suddenly airborne. He had always been content in the muddy little pond, but now as he soared into the blue sky, he found a completely new world. This new life was so much more wonderful than his old one; he was free, and happier than ever.

Then, he remembered his beetle friends. By now, they must think he had died. He really needed to go back and tell them that he wasn’t gone, only changed; he was more alive now than he had ever been! His life hadn’t ended, but had finally been fulfilled.

Unfortunately, he discovered that his new wonderful body couldn’t go back down under the water. He wouldn’t be able to get back there and tell them all the good news. As he pondered this sad revelation, he looked down and watched as another water beetle fell asleep on a lily pad.

He now understood.

Eventually his family and friends would join him in this new life, and they would all be together again. With joy in his heart, he flew off into the clear sky, ready for the happiness, freedom and new adventures that awaited him in this fresh and glorious existence.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

© 2018 Dusty Grein

* This fable is based on a story I heard once, that stuck with me. It’s lesson may not be as deep for everyone, but hopefully, if you are reading this, it has touched you half as much as writing it touched me.