tune: St Denio  (Immortal, invisible, God only wise)

When we turn the tap on
clean water just flows
no time spent, no effort,
that’s just how it goes.
Yet billions walk long miles
for water each day
that’s tainted and heavy
and spills on the way.

Each drop of the water
required in the home,
for washing or cooking,
is carefully borne,
and mostly by women
or girls, ev’ry day,
whose lives are controlled by
this water highway.

The joy and the freedom
home water taps bring
Is truly life-changing,
makes weary hearts sing,
the women and young girls
now gifted with time,
rejoice in their freedom,
their lives redefine.

Let’s pray that the blessing
of clean water’s flow
from taps in each household
may just grow and grow
and bring gender justice
as well as good health
for women and children,
a life-changing wealth.

Somehow, may our world
find means and the will
to gift clean fresh water
for all those who still
walk far for their water,
go day after day,
still trapped by this burden.
God, find us a way!

Written for World Water Day – 22nd March

Artwork: Women at the tap, by Mohamed Wasia Charinda, Tanzania, on display in the British Museum