The Sweet-Scented Name/The Independent Leaves
The Independent Leaves
SOME leaves with very strong stalks were hanging from a branch, and they found life very dull. It was very unpleasant—they could see the birds flying and the kittens running about; even the clouds were being carried along—and they were still on the branch. They swung themselves about, trying to break off from their stalks and be free.
They said to one another:
"We can live independent lives. We are quite grown up. But here we are under guardianship, stuck fast to this old stupid branch."
They swung themselves about and at last got free. They fell to the ground and withered. Presently the gardener came and swept them away with the refuse.