Sing Down the Moon

During the Kin-nadl-dah, or womanhood ceremony, Bright Morning performs a variety of tasks, including grinding flour and corn, chopping wood, and milking goats. She explains that all these tasks are rituals intended to teach her to become a woman. During the celebration, a group of boys chase Bright Morning to symbolically announce her entrée into womanhood. Tall Boy is among those who chase her. Bright Morning slows down because it is difficult for Tall Boy to run because of his injuries. He taunts her for doing so and insists she run as fast as possible. After the celebration, Bright Morning and Tall Boy talk. He asserts that he is strong and did not go to the Spaniards in the wilderness only to save her. Bright Morning senses Tall Boy’s emotional agony.

That winter, the Long Knives come and insist the Navajo must leave their village. Tall Boy tears up a flyer they leave behind. The Long Knives return in greater numbers, and the Navajo flee. They argue about whether to stay and fight or leave the area. Ultimately, they decide to go to the high county above the village, carefully hiding the