Foreword / Dr. Ross Gay -- A Watatic childhood : an introduction / Leah Penniman -- These roots run deep : a prayer of homage to our earth-listening Black elders -- It is time for a new covenant : a conversation with Awise Agbaye Wande Abimbola, Yeye Luisah Teish, and Awo Enroue Onigbonna Sangofemi Halfkenny -- All that breathes gives praise : a conversation with Ibrahim Abdul-Matin and Chris Bolden-Newsome -- Queer earth biomimicry : a conversation with Toi Scott and adrienne maree brown -- Reading the sky : a conversation with Dr. Lauret Edith Savoy, Rue Mapp, and Audrey Peterman -- So we walk : a conversation with T. Morgan Dixon, Teresa Baker, and James Edward Mills -- Each one teach one : a conversation with Angelou Ezeilo, Dr. J. Drew Lanham, and Dillon Bernard -- A home in this rock : a conversation with Dr. Carolyn Finney, Latria Graham, and Savi Horne, Esq. -- Rooted in the earth : a conversation with Greg Watson and Pandora Thomas -- Oldways : a conversation with Dr. Claudia J. Ford and Dr. Leni Sorensen -- Hope is a seed : a conversation with Aleya Fraser and Ira Wallace -- I can't breathe : a conversation with Sharon Lavigne and Dr. Dorceta Taylor -- One blue planet : a conversation with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Chris Hill, JD -- Rising waters : a conversation with Queen Quet and Colette Pichon Battle, Esq. -- The earth's song : a conversation with B. Anderson, Toshi Reagon, and Yonnette Fleming -- Climate griots : a conversation with Kendra Pierre-Louis and Steve Curwood -- A witness people : a conversation with Alice Walker and Dr. Joshua Bennett -- Exegesis : a conversation between the author and the earth -- Mama nature told me / Naima Penniman.