Stone Soup
Story told by Katie Lela
Once upon a time, there was an old soldier who was traveling through the country side on his way home from the war. At each village, he ask for food to eat, and was told that they didn’t have any extra to spare. Soon the soldier became very hungry. He knew he had to do something soon because he had not eaten in days. So at the next village, he decided the try something different. He approached a lady who was shelling peas. He ask for food. She told him that she only had enough for her family. He ask her if she would lend him a pot so that he could make stone soup. He also ask her if she knew where he could get some smooth stones for his soup.
Curious about the stone soup the lady took the old soldier to the river to find the best stones. The old soldier built a fire and sat the pot on the blaze. He then added water to the pot. When the water was heated he then added the stones. Tasting the soup made out of the stones he declared that it tasted good. But, it would taste even better if it had a little salt and onion. The lady amazed that the man made stone soup declared that she would go get some salt and onion.
On the way to the village she told her friends what the old man had done. She declared that the soup was good. Curiosity won out and a crowd gathered around the pot. After adding the onions and the salt the old man again tasted the soup. Again he declared the soup was good. But, would taste even better if it had a few potatoes in it. One of the crowd spoke up and said that they had a few potatoes to add to the pot.
Each time the old soldier tasted the soup, he declared it good but just needed something else. Soon the pot was full. Wonderful smells came from the pot and everyone wanted to taste the soup made from stones. Bowls were passed around and everyone tasted the soup. Each declaring that it was the “best soup” that they had ever eaten. The soldier went on his way with a full stomach and a happy heart.
Each person had contributed what they had. Any single thing was not enough to make a good soup. Together they had a full pot of good soup.
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