Cochineal
Cochineal
The red henna engraves his name.
Maroon bangles fettered my fate.
Golden anklets shackle my walk.
Scarlett tears oozed drop by drop.
I hobble around, for some aid I call.
But golden chain strap and block.
I am strained to sit down the hall of flames.
The red vermillion is dumped upon my face.
I cry, I plead but accept my fate.
And now,
I am his dutiful wife, forever my life,
Even though,
I am fourteen and he is thirty-nine.