The eldest sister, corn, would be the first to begin her cycle of life.

Growing tall and strong, her stalk would provide a natural trellis upon which her sister, beans, could grow.

Her vines would encircle and gently hug sister corn, while reaching for the sun.

Soon, the youngest sister, squash, would spread out to cover the mound of dirt where they lived together.

Her shady leaves preserved the moisture in their earthly home and would steal away

precious sunlight from weeds and other uninvited strangers.

The prickly stems of squash also provided protection against pests attempting to invade her sisters' home.

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And so, the three sisters would continue to live and grow together, eventually presenting

their own gifts to whomever help tend their mound of earth.

Within their fruits would be offspring for future generations of helpful,

loving sisters, willing to share in the great cycle of life.