Ignorance

Dressed in all white,
Her small face shining.
Draped in chains of small pearls,
Her almond eyes sparkling.
Cloaked in ignorance,
Her beating heart soars.

Happy women dance all around,
Clapping, twirling in rhythm.
Quiet night penetrated by celebration,
Colors swimming and swirling together.

Silent in the far side of the room,
Tears find their way down a weary face.
Memories of a tiny baby girl,
Suckling for nourishment and life.
Memories of a small girl in school clothes.
Afraid to go to school.

11 are her years,
Now dressed in pure white.
The purest of pure,
A man considers her his right.
Sold off like property,
The price of a dowry that night.

Young, ignorant, happy,
The mother mourns for her daughter,
Another lost childhood.
Young, ignorant, happy,
Remember your smile,
Your youth and freedom are lost.