By Carina Milena Maceira
The poem is a collage of first and secondhand quotes heard by the poet that reflect some of the obstacles that the youth face when it comes to marriage. They do not reflect her personal views.
she was my cousin it didn’t count
his mom kicked him out last time he said no
she’s not bedui
it was arranged
but he is bedui
i just want to make my father happy
his father has an iraqi passport
it’ll never happen
we should’ve parted ways the second we knew
it happens every day
i’ve given up
when are you getting married?
inheritance
when are you getting married?
inheritance
don’t you think it’s time you settle down?
inheritance
who will teach your children how to pray if she doesn’t pray like us?
we’ve never heard of that last name before, how can we trust them?
we can only trace back their name a few generations
he must have a beard
keep it in the bloodline
their roots are slaves
respect the bloodline
don’t bother yourself with the difficulty
you’re too western
you must respect the tribe
he’s shia
their family roots are not strong enough to take care of you
their roots are irani
she doesn’t wear hijab
he says you must wear abaya
what kind of parents let their daughter study abroad?
what kind of girl doesn’t live with her parents?
don’t you dare
bas
leave the discussion
where is his degree?
never anyone from that area
never anyone with that last name
the families will not get along, the rasul advised against it
they must be like us
when I’m dead will his divorced parents look after you and my grandchildren?
he is only half
we must strengthen their roots
everyone will die someday we must secure your future now
have you seen how many times he’s gone to dubai?
who was with him in thailand?
don’t you dare marry someone from the street, we marry amongst our own
someone that will elevate our status
she’s been married before
khalas, how dare you?
she was engaged before, she may as well have been married before
khalas, how dare you?
he has a kid
he has 5
none of their other daughters have been married
where did you find this girl?
of all people why him?
what happened to their family house?
where were they during the war?
were they here before the war?
the war
the war
the war
the war
the war
the war
the war
the war
the war
the war
the war
the war
the war
the war is always a good excuse
the wars they mention from ages ago that have laid their claims on our future
all one step away from giving up on love
romance
poetry
it was never something we were taught to look up to yet we craved it nonetheless
assumed we’d have it regardless and now here we are
a lost generation without means to cope with our traditions
torn between duty and love
sacrifice and freedom
won’t you listen to us?
hear our grief?
you’re killing us softly
The views of the authors and writers who contribute to Sekka, and the views of the interviewees who are featured in Sekka, do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Sekka, its parent company, its owners, employees and affiliates.
Carina Milena Maceira is a 20-year-old Cuban-Colombian poet and teacher. She grew up in America, primarily raised by her Kuwaiti family, adding to her multicultural identity that often shows in her creative expression. She is the founding editor of Ink & Oil Magazine, and an active performer in the Kuwait Poets Society. Her work has been published in Hooligan Magazine, The Miami Chronicles and Yes Poetry.