Taking the too-long walk for water

September 17, 2015
Apache girl balances water basket on head

The quest for water has been an eternal struggle world-wide. In this 1900 photo, an Apache girl carries an olla (a water basket) on her head.
By Charles C. Pierce CC BY 1.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Add up all the miles women and children in South Africa walk.

For water.

Every day.

Sixteen trips to the moon and back,

Every day,

For water.

from page 41, Water Runs Through This Book, by Nancy Bo Flood)


Nancy Bo Flood

As a fish-brain surgeon or a rodeo poem wrangler, I have loved stories. I strongly believe that words – in poetry or prose – help heal our hearts and give us new eyes to see the world. I was first a research psychologist studying brain development at the University of Minnesota and London University before following my passion – writing for children. Learn more...