Child Bride Poem by Sheena Blackhall

I was ten when I married
Just after my periods started
I was a woman now, my father said

One day I was playing,
The next my ma & aunts were fussing around me
Look what we have for you, you lucky girl!

Put your dollies down, ma said
This is a special day for you.
I left my friends playing happily in the street

They dressedme in a sparkly red-and-gold outfit
My hands were hennaed. Ma gave me full make-up
Beautiful nose rings and anklets
Like I was a princess, don't you know?

She pressed vermilion pigment on my forehead
Turmeric on my body
My father lifted me onto the back of the donkey
And off we went. I thought it was a game

I felt so proud and pretty, everyone looking at me
Only my grandmother turned away with a tear

I had to kneelbeside a strange old man
I think he was 30, older than my father

The burning incense made me choke a little
The priest was swaying & chanting
Someone placed a garland of flowers
Around my shoulders
There was dancing, sweets and feasting.
I grew tired. Such a long day for such a little girl!

Can I go home now ma? I asked my mother
That was when she told me I was married
My home forever now was with his family
That strange old man who had knelt down beside me

One of my aunties whispered before I left
No more school for you little one. Now you must feed their cattle
Cook their meals, wash their clothes and dishes
Do it nicely, or your groom may beat you

That night I lay in the dark in a strange house
The old man entered me forcibly
I cried out in pain. He hit me and covered my mouth
So much terror!

Next day I couldn't move. The women gave me a bath
Listen, son, my mother in law told my husband
Her 13 year old cousin died last month…internal injuries
Her genitals were torn, she bled to death
Maybe you should wait till she's 11?

Now I'm 12 and pregnant. An auntie died at my age
She struggled 3 days trying to give birth.
A girl in the next village told me this.

I pray I will not die when my time comes
Think of the future, my mother in law tells me
Give us a boy.

Future? I have no future. The river beyond my hut
Is deep and swift. One day I'll let it sweep away my sorrow