Report: Analysis of the Poem 'As You Lie Sleeping' and Earth Mother

This report provides an analysis of the poem 'As You Lie Sleeping,' focusing on its portrayal of Earth Mother and the impact of human actions. The report explores the poem's themes of respect, awareness, and the consequences of environmental degradation. It examines how the poem highlights the pain and suffering inflicted upon Earth Mother and the importance of recognizing and addressing these issues. The analysis delves into the poet's perspective on the relationship between humans and the environment, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and responsible behavior. The report also discusses the poet's call for respect and understanding of Earth Mother's role, advocating for actions that support environmental sustainability and conservation. The report references the work of Jesse Rae Archibald-Barber, providing context and further insights into the poem's meaning and significance. Ultimately, the report serves to underscore the urgency of environmental protection and the importance of fostering a harmonious relationship with the Earth.

RUNNING HEAD: KISISKACIWAN 0
AS YOU LIE SLEEPING

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Table of Contents
Title..................................................................................................................................................2
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Influence to Earth Mother................................................................................................................2
Cognizance by Earth Mother...........................................................................................................2
Respect for Earth Mother.................................................................................................................3
References........................................................................................................................................4

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Title
“Can Earth Mother Last?”
Introduction
In the poem poet wants to describe the feeling of the Earth Mother and the pain which it received
from the activities which are the done by us people (Archibald-Barber). The poem also
demonstrates the negativity which is still continuing and their effects in the long run. Further, in
this report the poem “As You Lie Sleeping” is discussed.
Influence to Earth Mother
Through the poem poet wants to analyze the support which Earth Mother provide us in every
stage of life and supports us in various areas that is it helps in removing the pain, stress level and
improve the health problems (Archibald-Barber). However, still we people in return influence
the Earth Mother in more negative manner because of continuously increasing the scourge, rape
etc and several other activities through which Earth is suffered from more pain and suffering. In
poem poet view the pain of Earth Mother and directions it provides to the people that is it
continuously healing the wounds of the person who continuously work to earn more profits. But
still we people disrespect our Mother Earth.
Cognizance by Earth Mother
“As Thunder Comes to awaken” through this line poet is giving us the information that Earth
Mother also spread awareness and alert us to stop these activities through giving the sign of
thunder but we still sleep and continue (Archibald-Barber). Therefore, poet also views that this
can also affects us in long run. In next line “I can see your Rebirth, New Growth” poet revealed
that through alteration people forcefully give rise to increase the floods in the different places by
destroying the Earth Mother. In this poem poet is praising the Earth Mother that through taking
so much of pain it still support and help people to grow (Archibald-Barber). In Poem poet also
examine that people is the main reason who increase the path for the hurricanes and quaking the
Earth from insides. Therefore, in the poem poet also asking the questions from the people that

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you are strong that you can last the Earth Mother in the long run. It is because through receiving
the pain there is the time when the Earth Mother does not remain strong to support the people in
the same manner.
Respect for Earth Mother
In the last lines Poet wants to convey that we the people is the only one who can help the Earth
Mother to grow by understanding the pain and suffering which Earth is receiving through our
activities (Archibald-Barber). The poet is praying to raise the respect and understand the feeling
of Earth Mother, the respect will be increase through support little amount of contribution in
providing social services and increase knowledge and awareness to the negative effects which
Earth Mother is suffering (Archibald-Barber). Further, poet also wants to describe that we can
increase the sacredness of losing the Earth Mother; it is because through this only we can
become strong and can also make our Earth stronger in the long run.

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References
Archibald-Barber, Jesse Rae. kisiskaciwan: Indigenous Voices from Where the River Flows
Swiftly. University of Regina Press, 2018.