Jonathan Flaum’s Finding Your Howl Part I is a very
symbolic and meaning story of finding your identity and purpose in life. The
story begins with the only 14 remaining red wolves being taken into captivity.
For an experiment, the wolves’ offspring we released into the wild. Everything
was fine except the wolves did not know how to howl. Without a howl the wolves
could not have an alpha wolf to lead and protect the pact. All of the wolves
were very scared and wanted to go back into captivity, expect for one wolf
named Mumon who refused to go back. Mumon went on a journey to find his howl
and soon encountered a deer. The deer questioned Mumon’s strength and knowledge
about hunting, but Mumon attacked the deer anyway. Feeling bad about the deer,
Mumon went on and found a raven. The raven also talked to him and gave him
advice saying “Your mark is on everything you touch”. Mumon then came across a
farmer who then shot and killed him. In Mumon’s final moments on earth he
reaching inside himself and finds a howl. His howl is then heard by the rest of
the pack who then howl back at him.
This story is very symbolic and
shows us that we must not be afraid to venture out and be ourselves. It tells
us that we should not be ashamed of who we are and what we do. One of my
favorite lines from this story is from the deer who says “When you are hungry
enough for it, it will be there”. I believe this quote can almost summarize the
entire story. We must work hard and not be afraid to do what me have to do and
not be ashamed, embarrassed or sad.
After reading this story, I found
that I could relate it to one of my favorite song Who I Am by Jessica Andrews (see lyrics below). I really like this
piece because it tells us that no matter what we are who we are. Like the
previous story, it show us that we should not let little things like being sad
or ashamed get in the way of doing what we need to do. This will help us become
who we are truly meant to be. I find that I can personally relate to this piece
because I have previously struggled with finding myself and who I am. This song
has taught me that no matter what I am going through or what I think I must do
I always have my family and friends who define who I am.
I am
Rosemary's granddaughter
The
spitting image of my father
And when
the day is done my momma's still my biggest fan
Sometimes
I'm clueless and I'm clumsy
But I've
got friends that love me
And they
know just where I stand
It's all a
part of me
And that's
who I am
