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 a hitch.
Then the long collaboration fell apart.
It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.
One morning there was a knock on John's 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 older brother.
“I do have a job for you
Look across the creek at that farm
That's my neighbor, in fact, it's my younger brother.
Last week there was a meadow between us and 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 go him one better
See that pile of lumber curing by the barn? I want you to build me a fence — an 8-foot fence — so I won't need to see his place anymore.”
The carpenter 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 pleases you.”
The older brother had to go to town for supplies, 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, nailing.
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