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Runaway Bride

At twelve years old She sits in the cold Engulfed by the dark Sitting on an old tree trunk By the edge of the silent river From far she can hear the ceremonial celebrations Drums beat with such elevation The women sing in jovial spirits The kids play and they all dance Twenty fires burn brightly lighting the village in might She sits in the cold Her bare breasts scared Her beaded necklace tightening Her innocent fingers trembling Her eyes dimming with every drum beat She knows she can't run far They will find her And he will marry her The dowry is already paid The bed is already made

Copyright © | Year Posted 2015




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Date: 10/27/2015 5:54:00 AM
A sad truth, hopefully dying out as generations change. A fine piece, njeri. Viv x
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Njeri Hunjeri
Date: 11/4/2015 3:00:00 PM
it's actually dying out with new generations, education and many other positives of modern life. thank you so much Viv
Date: 10/26/2015 5:36:00 AM
Read a piece of news on this subject today and it truly sad that situations like this still happen in this century! Well written Njeri!
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Njeri Hunjeri
Date: 11/4/2015 2:57:00 PM
thank you so much Grace. its been awhile:-) i need to visit you too
Date: 10/25/2015 6:38:00 PM
This is sad, but its how some cultures force these babies to get married to adult men.. You have painted a picture of a scared little girl, who wants to stay with her parents. I believe should be with parents. I enjoy reading your poem. I'm reading more of your writings..
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Njeri Hunjeri
Date: 11/4/2015 2:55:00 PM
its a sad thing that happens to young girls whose dreams are cut short by this practice. thank you so much Myles for the comment and for reading my other poems. i need to visit you too.
Date: 10/25/2015 12:00:00 AM
A poem causing my reflection on (from what you say below) a still-happening problem.
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Njeri Hunjeri
Date: 11/4/2015 2:50:00 PM
i know, its very sad. thank you Julia
Date: 10/24/2015 5:38:00 PM
A beautiful and a very lovely poem Njeri. I live how you conveyed message. Excellent............A.M.
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Njeri Hunjeri
Date: 10/24/2015 6:01:00 PM
Thank u Afolabi. I appreciate the visit.
Date: 10/24/2015 3:44:00 PM
Aww...this is sad, Njeri. Well written though. Is arranged marriage still enforced in your culture? hugs!
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Njeri Hunjeri
Date: 10/24/2015 6:00:00 PM
Yes its still there but not that much..things are getting better. Thank u Kim. I appreciate the visit

Book: Reflection on the Important Things