“The Legend of The Crying Stone”
Assalamu’alaikum wr.wb.
Good morning/afternoon, everybody!
The honorable judges, teachers, and all my friends
Ladies and gentlemen,
I’m Fika Tiara Agustine from Magelang, Central Java.
Today, I’m going to tell you guys a story with the title “The Crying Stone.”
Are you ready to listen? Let’s start the story.
Once upon a time, in a small village in Borneo Island, there lived a mother and
her daughter named Darmi. Darmi was popular among villagers because of her
beautiful face but she has bad behavior. She always spent her time in front of
the mirror admiring her beautiful face. She never helped her mother to fulfill
their daily needs. She didn’t care about her mother’s pain for work to get food.
The daughter always made her mother sad. However, the mother still loved her
very much.
"Darmi! Please help me work in the fields." said her mother softly.
"No! I don’t want to go to the fields. I’m afraid my skin turns dark!" said Darmi,
without looking at her mother.
When her mother came home from work, Darmi asked money to buy her beauty
tool. But, her mother ignored it. Darmi was annoyed and choose to preen herself.
One day, the girl asked her mother to buy her a new gown. The mother refused it
because she had no money. But because the mother loved her daughter so
much, she finally bought her a new gown.
Both went to the market. But Darmi asked her mother to walk behind because
she was embarrassed if people saw them together. Once again, because of her
love, the mother obeyed the daughter's request.
On the way to the market, everybody admired Darmi’s beauty. Darmi’s
appearance was really contrasted with the one walking behind her, that it made
people to wonder. Along the way home, Darmi still walked in front of her mother.
People passing asked about the woman behind her.
“Hello, pretty lady. Who is the woman behind you? Is that your mom?”
asked a man.
“No! She is my servant.” answered Darmi with scornful intonation.
The mother was very sad, but she didn’t say anything. She could
understand that her daughter was ashamed. Darmi always answered that her
mother is her servant, to many people that asked it.
At last, the mother cannot hold the pain anymore. She prayed to God to
punish her daughter. God answered her prayer. Slowly, Darmi’s leg turned into
stone. The process continued to the upper part of Darmi’s body. She was very
panic.
"Mom ...! What’s happening to me?” she asked.
Darmi realized that it was because she had hurt her mother's feelings.
“Mother, please forgive me!” she cried loudly.
But it’s too late. Her whole body finally became a big stone. Until now,
people could see tears dropping from her eyes. That was why people called it the
crying stone or batu menangis.
Well, my dearest audiences,
The legend of Batu Menangis carries a profound and timeless message. It
teaches us that beauty and pride are fleeting, but humility, respect, and love are
virtues that endure. The story emphasizes the importance of honoring and
cherishing our parents, for their love is irreplaceable.
Arrogance and disrespect, especially toward parents, can lead to painful
consequences. The girl's fate serves as a powerful reminder to remain humble,
be kind to others, and never feel superior to anyone. True strength lies in
showing gratitude and learning from our mistakes. Even if apologies come too
late, the lesson endures: respect and compassion should always guide our
actions.
Through this tale, generations continue to reflect on the dangers of vanity and
the value of humility, reminding us that love, gratitude, and respect are the
foundations of lasting happiness.
Ladies and gentlemen, that’s all from me. Thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum wr.wb.
