Write a short story about a young aboriginal man seeking guidance on his place in the world.  Have him consult a wise elder, who will share wisdom and perspective.


Answer: The young man stood apart from the other young men and watched them tease the girls and play around in general.
He sighed deeply. "Why am I so shy?", he asked himself: "Why can't I join in the games like the others?" The young man had asked himself these questions many times, and each time the answer was the same. He just didn't know. Was it that he felt that he was not worthy? Hardly. He was a kind and respectful person, and, he had to admit, a fine hunter. So what was wrong with him? He decided to speak to the Koradji, the wise man. Surely he would know. The Koradji was peering into his fire, deep in thought, when the young man approached, but somehow knew of his presence. "You are troubled," he asked and continued to gaze into the fire. "I seek vour wisdom, Uncle," he replied, his voice hardly more than a whisper. "Wisdom comes at a price" said the Koradji, without raising his head. "But I have nothing to offer," the young man told him. "I think you have," said the Koradji." then added: "But that can wait. Now sit and tell me what is troubling vou." The young man sat opposite the old man and told him everything. When he had finished, the Koradji nodded his head thoughtfully, then gazed into the young man's eyes.
"Now listen carefully and heed my words," he said. Then he continued. "This land is to you as it is to all living things.
Therefore, we have the right to breathe its air, drink its water and nourish our bodies with its bounty. We have no need to stand apart from others because we have much to contribute, and how much we contribute is in accordance with our own measure." There was a pause while he added wood to the fire. Then he continued. "Now hear these words and keep them in your mind. No one has the right to tell another that they may not do these things, because each of us are children of Mother Earth. Of course," he added quickly, "there will be those who stand above others, and those who are stronger, or of a different tribe, but it matters not, because we each have an equal right to our place in the sun, to live in accordance with our conscience." He waved a mosquito from his arm and smiled. "And, yes, even a mosquito". There was a long silence after the Koradji had finished speaking, then the young man spoke finally. "I have listened to your words Uncle, and they are very wise," he said, "but how can I pay you?"