Wednesday, May 19th

          My uncle gave me this little book that he found on his travels across the globe. He said he found it while chasing a cattle rustler. It is a small leather book, with blank pages to write on. He told me that I should write in you to increase my knowledge. He told me I might even become as pure as the spirits through it. I don’t really understand that, but I do know that purity of the spirits is considered a very high standard in our world. My uncle told me to write as if I were talking to you, little book. So, I suppose it is only fair that I tell you about myself, considering I already know what you look like. My name is Young Deer, and I am from the Cherokee tribe. I live with my mother, father, grandmother, and two younger sisters. My grandfather and uncle visit occasionally when they aren’t traveling. My sisters are too young to learn much except housework and some small farming. I, on the other hand, since I have lived twelve years since my birth, have now started learning more skills that I will need when I become a man. What does that mean, becoming a man? I have so many questions that remain unanswered to me. I ask my father, but he says I will understand as I gain wisdom from the years. He also says that when I become a man, the world will become much clearer to my eyes. I don’t understand that either, but I nod and try to gain wisdom from his words. What is wisdom anyways? My parents call me intelligent, but not wise. I also have another question that haunts me: What is the meaning of life? Maybe if I become a man, I will gain wisdom, then from there learn the meaning of life. But then I’m back to the same problem, what does it mean to become a man?

-Young Deer