She can carry a pail on her head for a mile
And despite the load still manage a smile
You might wonder how she learned this wonderful trick
Well, we start very young carrying logs and sticks

It's an important skill, especially during drought
Because then the whole family will have to help out
Getting water then is a most difficult chore
'Cause as soon as you find some you need to find more

But sooner or later, the rain does come
To quench the thirst of equatorial sun
And things return to normal yet again
In a cycle of life that recurs without end

That means Mom can get back to normal stuff
And I can tell you that in itself is enough
There's winnowing, grinding and pounding the grain
Then back to the garden to start the process again