13. Water Rhythm

Water Rhythm 

How much longer?

Mommy are we there yet?

Dry sand tickling my toes

The morning sun leads me

Her warmth feels so close

The way to the water is always easier

Easier than going back

We always pass a big lonely tree

I wish it could come to the water with me

Mommy walks so fast

As if the water is calling her name

Mommy says water is life

I like going to the water

I can laugh with my friends

Other girls who I meet by the water

But mommy says we have to be quick

On the way back the water bounces

It bounces like a heavy melody

If we are quick I can go to school

Mommy how much longer?

Are we there yet?

(10/12/2019)

This last post (at least for now), is a reminder that 'water' might also be a social place, it might be sacred, it might be life, it might even be a poem written by a student in London. By writing this blog on water and gender in Africa, I tried to tell a story; the story of Africa's Water Women. I am aware, however, that this story is far from complete. It is also not up to me to finish this story, since after all I am not an African Water Women. But I hope the journey was inspiring, I hope it made you look at the world differently, and I hope it made you aware that thinking outside the box could open new pathways. Oh, water might also be imagination; imagination for a more sustainable and a more just world for all.