From: hbokure@aol.com
Date: Mon Jan 19 2009 - 09:31:20 EST
A BRIDE
A little shy bride
With a braid
Fitting her own age
Once leaving her sweet home
The best man outside
Lifting her up
Like a disabled
Just to mount her
On a mule's back
Which is her best saddle
In the very presence of women
Who see her in wonder
While sobbing and crying.
In this response
Her grown up friends
With whom once
Fetching water
Picking up firewood and dung
Helping with hair-do
Singing for her
With a slander and anger:
" Are you gone and gone
And disappeared down the hill
You will not feel at home
In the land of aliens."
They sing and clap
Until she is out of sight
From yonder the hill
Then resorting
To her daily life
As an innocent bride
Full of rebuke and fun
And shame
Amid a painful
Guess game. (adesasaq)
Haile Bokure
You can see the traditional wedding in rural area by browsing ainfelale:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoyyLi3Y9Jc&feature=related