The Forgotten Ear of Corn
An Arikara woman was once gathering corn from the field to store away for winter use. She passed from stalk to stalk, tearing off the ears and dropping them into her folded robe.
When all was gathered she started to go, when she heard a faint voice, like a child's, weeping and calling:
"Oh, do not leave me! Do not go away without me."
The woman was astonished. "What child can that be?" she asked herself. "What babe can be lost in the cornfield?" She set down her robe
When all was gathered she started to go, when she heard a faint voice, like a child's, weeping and calling:
"Oh, do not leave me! Do not go away without me.
The woman was astonished. "What child can that be?" she asked herself. "What babe can be lost in the cornfield?"
She set down her robe in which she had tied up her corn, and went back to search; but she found nothing.
As she started away she heard the voice again:
"Oh, do not leave me. Do not go away without me."
,She searched for a long time. At last in one corner of the field, hidden under the leaves of the stalks, she found one Jittle ear of corn. This it was that had been crying, and this is why all Indian women have since garnered their corn crop very carefully, so that the succulent food product should not even to the last small nubbin be nealected or wasted. and
so that they do not leave behind any forgotten ears of corn. This story serves as a reminder to appreciate and value every single piece of food that is harvested, as it is a precious resource that should not be taken for granted.
The Arikara woman, having found the forgotten ear of corn, carefully picked it up and placed it in her robe along with the rest of her gathered corn. She felt a sense of gratitude for this small ear of corn, realizing that even the tiniest piece of sustenance should be cherished.
From that day forward, the Arikara people made it a tradition to thoroughly search their cornfields, ensuring that no ears of corn were left behind. They recognized the importance of not wasting any part of their harvest and understood the significance of every kernel.
This story also holds a deeper meaning beyond the preservation of food. It teaches the importance of empathy and compassion, as the Arikara woman went out of her way to find the source of the crying voice. She exemplified the value of caring for others and not leaving anyone behind.
The forgotten ear of corn serves as a symbol for the overlooked and neglected in society. Just as the Arikara woman took the time to search for the lost corn, we should also take the time to look out for those who are in need or marginalized.
In essence, this story highlights the significance of valuing and appreciating every aspect of life, whether it be food, resources, or the well-being of others. The forgotten ear of corn serves as a reminder to not neglect or waste, but to treat everything with care and reverence.