Seeking the Tree of Heaven

A woman sought the Tree of Heaven.

She asked a dervish for help.

“I can teach you,” said the dervish, “but it takes thirty years.”

“I can't wait,” she said.

“Then I can't help you,” he replied. “Seek the dervish Arif.”

She sought Arif, who sent her to Hakim, then Majzub, Alim… so many teachers.

Thirty years passed.

Then she reached the garden: there was the Tree of Heaven!

And beneath it… the dervish.

“Why didn't you tell me you were the Tree's keeper?”

“You didn't ask,” he said. “And I know the Tree fruits only once every thirty years.”