Learning to be an elder
At the end of another year I have to reflect. I doubt that again this year I will be added to that list that people refer to as the elders of society. I checked my birth certificate and I have enough years of seniority but somehow I lack one crucial ability. I am unable to teach anyone else some of those finer points of our culture specifically the ones dealing with myth and legend. I checked and I have no myths or legends to pass along nor do I have any real folk songs. My quiver is empty. Many societies around the world depend upon the more aged in a group to teach the younger people. I have taught but only what was considered to be the material judged as apt. What does this mean going forward? I guess I’m going to have to learn some folk songs and this end legends and then get out there and beat my drum so that others will know that I too have learned the foundational elements of my culture. This could be difficult. I checked the historical record and in this area only a couple of centuries have passed since my group arrived. For me to try passing on the legends of those who were here before would amount to cultural appropriation and I am not ready to go down that bumpy road. I could, I suppose make up some folk songs. Put the author down as anonymous and then assured that the tune is a catchy one. One that will be passed along to all who hear it in my area. I will be fulfilling my role as a teacher and beefing up my creds as a senior. An elder. I do not particularly want to have another badge on my sleeve but it would be interesting to be introduced to others as an elder of my society just a thought overnight we received a light layer of snow. There is more on the way apparently. And the man on the weather station says that this will probably stay with us through the holidays. No sudden melt in view. This does not really matter other than as an entry in the almanack.
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