494 - You're lost, little girl

There was a teenage girl called Shafilea
Who died at seventeen by someone’s hand.
She felt more at home with western culture
And female freedom, but, in Pakistan,
Her parents introduced her to the man,
Or boy, perhaps, who would be her ruler,
Perhaps both of them living in that land.
At that point she drank bleach, but her father
Says she thought it was mouthwash. A teacher
Reported, to UK police, her fear
Of her parents’ and relatives’ command
To marry their choice, maintain their honour.
Soon after, poor Shafilea disappeared,
Till found decomposed on a river bend.
Fri 11 Jan 2008