Short Story

Two Brothers and the Carpenters

(from the Internet)

          Once upon a time, two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without hitch. Then the long collaboration fell apart.It began with a small misunderstanding, and grew into a major difference until finally, it exploded words followed by weeks of silence.

          One morning there was a knock on john door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days' work" he said."perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there. Could I help you?"

          "Yes,"  said the old brother."I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at the farm. That's my neighbor. In fact, it's my younger brother! last week there was a meadow between us. He took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us.

          Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll do him one better. See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence, an eight-foot fence-so I won't need to see his place or his face anymore."

           The carpenters said, "I think I understand the situation,Show me  the nails and the post-hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that please you."

             The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day - measuring, sawing, and nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job.

              The farmer's eye opened wide, his jaw dropped. The carpenter had not built a fence, he had built a bridge - a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, hard nails and all- and the neighbor, the farmer's  younger brother, was coming across, his hand outstretched.

               "You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done" the two brothers met in the middle, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder.

                "No, wait! stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother.

                 "I love to stay on," the carpenter said, but I have many more bridges to build."