The Wedding Night

A strange feeling engulfs my soul

As I listen to the departing steps.

With soft giggles and a gentle caress, 

I am ushered into a room, where 'am put to rest.

Here I am to metamorphose,

Here I am to live the change,

Here I am to endorse

My new identity, my new surname.

What has changed in me today?

Do I cease to be the girl I was yesterday?

My thoughts are interrupted by the hushed tones

Of the flock outside awaiting the groom. 

Adorned in red of fine silk, with palms reflecting a deep maroon,

I sit and wait...wait for the anxiety to abate.

The stillness is broken by the fan's dreary drone,

The buzz of mosquitoes ring in a melodious tune.

The exhaustion I wear weighs me down,

The jewellery seems jaded that I unwillingly adorn.

The flowers lay scattered, my will broken,

I lower my eyes and offer a quick prayer to Heaven.

I hear the door open and close behind,

A sudden fright takes control, leaving me cold.

A strange figure, tall and turbaned takes my side,

My self quivers, while I try to remember what had been told

To me of such a night as when it would come,

Of mixed horror and pleasures, that it would summon.

I wanted no adventure, nor desired any thrill,

I was only a child of sixteen,wanting to live her share's fill.