Child Marriage Poem by Bernedita Rosinha Pinto

My thoughts are unclear of tomorrow
just like the wind that drifts over the seas,
swaying and rumbling moves the fear in me
as I am decked in bridal clothes so red
and adorned with golden jewelry;
so colourful and wild is the frenzy
that my heart flutters with amusement
as the glass bangles jingle on my wrists,
as the anklets chime on my feet.
O how it feels to be wedded
it is a dream of every bride, every lover;
but I am just a child…
how will I walk around the fire behind him
to be his wife;
how will I accept promises
that we will love each other for eternity
how will I abide by those sacred vows
when I don't understand what they mean;
how will I walk around the fire a seven times
knotted with tradition, upholding ancient custom
when I don't know to read or write
when I don't know to cook or pray
when I don't even know how old he is
but I know I am only twelve.