Child Marriage
Hello everyone. This is a poem I wrote for girls affected by child marriage all around the world. In 2012 70 million girls were married before the age of 18, meaning 70 million dreams were cut short and 650 million girls alive today were married before 18. This Christian poem is a tribute to all the girls whose dreams have been destroyed by child marriage worldwide, and a message of hope and prayer that one day all girls will be able to pursue their education and dreams without fear. This is written from a young child bride's perspective.
Disclaimer: Any factual research is not mine. All rights go to original owners. No copyright intended.
I heard my parents talking yesterday
About what I did not know, something about selling something
Little did I know that something was me
I am only thirteen years old, I like to play and laugh like any child
I met my 'husband' on the day of my wedding, he is 30 years older than I
Oh how I cried "I don't want this! I am only a child!"
Yet, my parents did not hear, instead they sold me to him for $8,000
I cannot go to school now for I must stay at home
The last time I asked if I could go back to school, he gave me bruises
I thought when I grew up I would be a teacher or a doctor, but instead I am an object
Sold like an object by the parents I trusted to care for me
Be thankful you are not like me, that you get to go to school, to laugh and play and be a child, for I do none of that these days.
I AM A CHILD BRIDE.
As I sat alone in my room one day
Crying because he hit me again
A man in white came to me
He touched the bruises on my face and I could feel the gentleness of him
His warm brown eyes were friendly and kind
"Come" he said
"I'm taking you away from this place. You don't deserve this. You are my beloved child."
I instantly could tell I could trust him.
I took his hand and he led me to people who could help
I gave him a hug and said "Thank you very much"
He replied "You are my beloved daughter, think nothing of it."
Then he returned my hug and disappeared.
The people cared for me well and helped me to get a divorce.
Now I am back in school, and with a new family I trust
I know that they will never sell me, they are warm and tender and kind.
I now laugh and play again like any child, but I will never forget what happened.
I allow it to strengthen me and I know one day I want to help other's like me.
I WAS A CHILD BRIDE.
Pray for all girls affected by child marriage worldwide.
