Translate

Monday, December 30, 2013

Noble Warrior - A tribute to Woh Kiang Nangbah

NOBLE WARRIOR

(Translated from the Pnar poem "Khlawait" composed by Riquoma Rq Laloo)

“Noble Warrior” – a title you cannot claim
Not for me, for you or any other
To decipher into another tongue
Will but minify your true colour.

“Noble Warrior” to him only bestow
An honourable one and sedulous
Within and without - courageous
Distinct - with his aura all about.

In words and deeds truly he is
Kiang Nangbah a worthy “Noble Warrior”
Forthright in all that he can be and is
Resolute and unshakeable in purpose.

Kiang Nangbah the greatest leader,
The obedient and proud son of his mother -
Whose counsel instilled in him fidelity:
“Love your country, my son, as much as you love me”

No trifle this - the honour bestowed
“Noble Warrior” through words and deeds
Chosen not as the Syiem, Daloi or Montri
To serve a duty by vox populi

He too was chosen by all the people
From amongst the warriors and leaders
But he wanted a divine sign
That this, was by God’s design.

No, we haven’t got any
As selfless as he
For claims made by many
Covetous they turned to be.

Another “Noble Warrior” is hard to find
From the past nor the present day
Your fame Kiang Nangbah grows stronger everyday
As we commemorate your 151st death anniversary.

                       *******

Friday, December 27, 2013

"Hi O" - An Anthology of Jaintia Poems by S. Quotient Sumer.

"Hi O" is an anthology of Pnar Poems by S. Quotient Sumer. It includes poems written by him since 1949 to most recent times and covers diverse topics pertaining to Jaintia Hills - folklore, history, romance, values, satire, drama, comedy and many more. It is a treasure of Pnar literature - precious and priceless! The book is published by YADALADA Books Publishing House, Jowai. It is a book that every Khasi would cherish.

The release function was unique and exemplary in that it had no Chief Guest or Guest of Honour. The Author wanted to treat all the invitees as equals and therefore did away with the usual practice of gracing the occasion with a Chief Guest. He treated all his invitees as Chief Guests and in that spirit it was a punctual function as there was no need to wait for the VIPs (who usually come late for any function) and it was enlivened by traditional music and songs composed by the author himself and sang by worthy voices.



The function was held today the 27th December 2013 at the Community Hall of Panaliar locality of Jowai at 1:10 p.m. Glad that I could make it in time after having to chase it all the way from Ïongkaluh. Wouldn't miss it for the world. 


Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Towards Eternity

Towards Eternity
composed around 1997-98

I travel, all alone
Where to – I cannot say
I search for myself –
When will I see the day?

I cry – all alone
No one hears my cry
I sigh – a weary sigh
How much time have I?

They say – Life’s a journey
How long should I travel?
Where’s my direction?
Will someone tell?

I walk… all alone
Along the avenues of time
Milestones, countless now
I’m tired, my body aches
Yet, my restless soul
Carries my fragile body
Towards Eternity…

***

Beyond The Storm
Composed during the year 1999


The sun shone, brightly
The sky was so blue;
But my heart was cloudy
Because of you.

You took my heart,
Played with it,
My poor heart!
Reduced to naught,

I loved you true;
Myself to you,
Everything for you;
Betrayal – I never knew.

A scarred heart
A wounded pride
Unquenched thirst
Where do I run?
No place to hide
My heart too heavy
I search for comfort-
But… there’s no one!

Can my heart ever love?
And find true love?
That though it rains,
Our hearts afire
With fulfilled desire
Chase the clouds
Remove the doubts
Together in love
Shine throughout.

***