The Pomegranate Society

A Tale of Unity

Seed One: Why do you love pomegranates so much?

Seed Two: They remind me of the world.

Seed One: Don't you eat them because you like the taste?

Seed Two: Yes, like the world, they are sweet and healthy.

Seed One: Oh, that's what you meant.

Seed Two: Yes, but there is more.

Seed One: What?

Seed Two: Well, there are many different compartments in a pomegranate. Each compartment "thinks" it is different from the others.

Seed One: Aren't they?

Seed Two: Yes, they are different in some ways, that is true, but the seeds are all the same. And inside, just like us, they are all red.

Seed One: I see. And a pomegranate is round, like our world.

Seed Two: Exactly! Now you are beginning to see the light. But there is one big difference between our world and a pomegranate.

Seed One: What?

Seed Two: Our world is much, much bigger. You can't hold it in your hand, and you'd better not try to eat it. It would take a very long time.

Seed One: Oh, I see.

Seed Two: There's more. A pomegranate is red. Our world is blue and green, and in some places, white and tan—for oceans, trees, snow, and deserts.

Seed One: And pomegranates don't have clouds around them?

Seed Two: Exactly. Now you are getting it.

Seed One: Are you ever going to tell me about the Pomegranate Society?

Seed Two: Yes, of course, but it is a secret society, so you must keep this information secret.

Seed One: Okay.

Seed Two: All around the world, people eat pomegranates. Many people think they are so different from each other.

Seed One: Aren't they?

Seed Two: Yes, in some ways they are. They have different languages, cultures, countries, and religions too. But they are also the same. They are all human beings. They are all red inside, just like pomegranate seeds.

Seed One: Now I see.

Seed Two: Yes. And the Pomegranate Society is made up of people who know that they are different but also one.

Seed One: One pomegranate?

Seed Two: Yes, one pomegranate. Our motto is: Individually, we are one seed. Together, we are a pomegranate.

Seed One: Oh, that is beautiful.

Seed Two: Yes, beautiful and tasty. That is the other thing we do at the Pomegranate Society. We eat lots and lots of pomegranates. They are very, very delicious.

Seed One: Just like the world?

Seed Two: Just like the world.

Seed One: How do I sign up?

Seed Two: No need. You are already a seed.

Seed One: Already a part?

Seed Two: Everyone is, but they just don't know it.

A story by Pemba Umoja