Wind and the Sun

Wind and the Sun
~ an Aesop fable

One day long, long ago, the wind and the sun were in dispute. The Wind boasted of great strength. The Sun argued that there was great power in gentleness.

"We must have a contest," bellowed the Wind.

Far below, a man traveled a winding road. He was wearing a warm winter coat.

"Very well," said the Sun. "As a test of strength, let us see which of us can take the coat off of that man."

"It will be quite simple for me to force him to remove his coat," bragged the Wind.

The Wind blew so hard, the birds clung to the trees. Kites fluttered wildly! Windmills spun furiously! But the harder the wind blew, the tighter the shivering man clung to his coat.

Then, the Sun came out from behind a cloud. Sun warmed the air and the frosty ground. The man on the road unbuttoned his coat.

The sun grew slowly brighter and brighter. Soon the man felt so hot, he took off his coat and sat down in a shady spot.

"How did you do that?" asked the Wind in amazement.

"It was easy," said the Sun, "I simply lit the day. And through gentleness I got my way."

Event: 8th Annual Kite Day at Pacheco State Park, California