his father said ‘that older woman
relieves you on her witching bed
but needs dictate you put her aside for now
as she cannot find acceptance
in our elders’ notions of ideal
doesn’t qualify for what they have in mind
the time has come to listen to the head’
‘next month at annual session
they’ll choose a fresh adolescent
with whom you’ll make the sacrifice
to bring forth an heir
and present the family name to heaven’
‘then present deeds become unspoken
and if you choose after ninety days
and ninety nights of fidelity
to shuffle back to the witch’s bed
they’ll turn their heads
for you’ll have satisfied the terms
and brought happiness to all’
‘let’s prepare then to celebrate
a selfless groom and a willing girl’
johnpoetflanagan 
Wow. This is subtle… And layered
Thank You,
Rajiv
for the generous comment
john
Sacrifices are sometimes necessary :),Much love to you! Holly
Thank You
Holly
and
Much love to You
john
This is so symbolic…powerful writing… :_)
Thank You, Maniparna
for this fine response.
Big hugs
john
This has the feel of some ancient text and yet is so relevant to how some cultures view different genders. A piece where the reader needs to look beneath the surface. Well written, John.
Excellent comment, Chris, sharp and so relevant
as always
With my best
john
Powerfully written. Love the subtle message.
Thank You
for this kind and generous comment.
Best Always
john
Full of message, another excellent writing Bapak John.
Indah
Thank You very much
Always
bapak john
So old and so current.
Yes, Myra
that was the intention
Thank You, Friend
Big hugs
john
Amazing like the detail and mythology
Candice
Thank you so much for the great encouragement
Big hugs
john
Big hugs back dear john♡
Prearranged marriages speak to the chauvinistic practices of mankind, of past and current societies. Where women are objects of convenience to be used as no more than drudges to sate the wishes of men. Love barely survives as a concept within them. You bring poetic justice to the prevalence of that practice John, thank you. Ever your friend, Jon Michael
Wonderfully comprehensive response
Jon, My Friend.
Thank You.
Ever Your Friend
john
This poem is powerful. I guess, I’m not that good with symbolism, but these lines certainly have a heavy content.
Inese
Thank you very much for your generous response.
My best to You
john
Very well written John…
Chitra
Thank You very much, so generous
Big hugs
john
John – there are no words – this is beautiful with rich meaning and symbolic.
Mihran
Thank You so much, i truly appreciate your comment
Ever
john