Let us call Earth by her true name: "Mother."

                                                  "When the people call Earth 'Mother,'
                                                    they take with love
                                                    and with love give back
                                                    so that all may live.

                                                    When the people call Earth 'it,'
                                                     they use her
                                                     consume her strength
                                                     Then the people die.

                                                     Already the sun is hot
                                                     out of season.
                                                     Our mother's breast
                                                      is going dry.
                                                      She is taking all green
                                                      into her heart
                                                      and will not turn back
                                                      until we call her
                                                      by her name."

                                                      Marilou Awiakta

                                                      Cherokee Nation

Photo: Silvery Lupine blooming in Castle Valley, UT; April 21, 2012