Write your reaction to this poem. You don't need to answer all of these questions. They are just to give you ideas of things to write about. What do you think about this love and respect Native Americans have for the earth? How do you think this influences the way they live? Do you respect the earth?
Love of the Land
The old people came literally to love the soil, and they sat or reclined on the ground with a feeling of being close to a mothering power. It was good for the skin to touch the earth, and the old people liked to remove their moccasins and walk with bare feet on the sacred earth.
Their tipis were built upon the earth and their altars were made of earth. The birds that flew in the air came to rest upon the earth, and it was the final abiding place of all things that lived and grew.
The soul was soothing, strengthening, cleansing, and healing.

I think that the Native Americans are one with the earth. Each Native American has a spirit that they believe in. They might be a bear if they have a good sense of smell. Most Native Americans have an animal that describes them. In this poem, it talks about how old Native Americans love the land, and they love the soil of the earth. Since they worship the earth, they built their homes on the earth. They believe the earth is strengthening and cleansing. The Native Americans don't take the earths gifts, such as water, food, and materials, for granted.