Njeri Hunjeri Poet Free verse

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

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Viv Wigley October 27, 2015 at 5:54 AM A sad truth, hopefully dying out as generations change. A fine piece, njeri. Viv x Njeri Hunjeri November 4, 2015 at 3:00 PM it's actually dying out with new generations, education and many other positives of modern life. thank you so much Viv

Grace Mutindi October 26, 2015 at 5:36 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! Njeri Hunjeri November 4, 2015 at 2:57 PM thank you so much Grace. its been awhile:-) i need to visit you too

Myles Home October 25, 2015 at 6:38 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.. Njeri Hunjeri November 4, 2015 at 2:55 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.

Julia Ward October 25, 2015 at 12:00 AM A poem causing my reflection on (from what you say below) a still-happening problem. Njeri Hunjeri November 4, 2015 at 2:50 PM i know, its very sad. thank you Julia

Afolabi Muideen October 24, 2015 at 5:38 PM A beautiful and a very lovely poem Njeri. I live how you conveyed message. Excellent............A.M. Njeri Hunjeri October 24, 2015 at 6:01 PM Thank u Afolabi. I appreciate the visit.

Kp Nunez October 24, 2015 at 3:44 PM Aww...this is sad, Njeri. Well written though. Is arranged marriage still enforced in your culture? hugs! Njeri Hunjeri October 24, 2015 at 6:00 PM Yes its still there but not that much..things are getting better. Thank u Kim. I appreciate the visit