The Bride Leaves Home Poem by Samuel Obono Jr

Like drops of water
from a leaking roof
the bride
no longer could hold
the hunger of a million tears
she is leaving home
away from mother's breast
to be betrothed to bondage
joy is lost amidst these tears
for she would rather stay
if she could
father was quick
for he took the bride price
with both hands
from the groom and his people
how can she embrace her new home
with hands and feet bound?
dressed in grief and pain
the big necklace chokes her neck
in the struggle
her groom decorate her with stripes
and marks to seal her engagement
how beautiful can she be-
in the arms of adversary?
Once again
she looks back at home
a home no more....