The Hunt

I go out this day to stalk my prey.
Though my prey this day is different,
My prey is neither hind nor hare,
But rather, who I am.

I go out this day a boy,
I pray I may return a man.
For a man is one who knows himself
And can justify the fact.

So into the woods I go,
Like the native boy of old,
With hope of claiming what is mine.
A name of man by this rote ritual.

A man forever shall I be.