How Lucky We Are?: Part I
How lucky we are, in this world so vast,
Marriage not a force but a bond that can last.
Boys journey to maiden's door,
A different culture we explore.
In the heart of the Khasi and Garo, who both value life,
No violent hands, no deadly strife.
No need for fear, no shadows of dread,
Girls welcome the boys with hearts that are spread.
Sincere in their greeting, there’s joy in the air,
A circle of trust, woven tender and rare.
How lucky Khasi and Garo, hearts entwined,
A welcome warm, a love defined.
In the hills where the Khasi, Pnar, Bhoi,
Lyngam, War and Garo dwell, in peace they enjoy,
Amidst mountains and rivers, a sanctuary found,
Where love flows like streams, gentle and profound.
Hospitality echo softens, in the green,
A peaceful haven, a tranquil scene.
A wife who welcomes with warmth and a smile,
A husband who cherishes, going each extra mile,
Together they flourish, on this land so divine,
With families united, their hearts intertwine.
A haven away from the chaos of strife,
In solitude’s embrace, they discover their life.
— % &In simple gestures, kindness thrives,
Protecting joy, that love survives.
How lucky we are, to feel, to see,
The grace of love, eternally.
So let us take heed, of the luck that we share,
In every echo of laughter, love’s promise is clear.
***********
A Lucky Traveller: Part - II
For those who seek peace, in the rustle of leaves,
In the soft sighing winds, where the spirit believes,
From the high peaks they gaze, feeling love’s gentle call,
Nature envelops them, in its beauty standing tall.
A life wrapped in nature's embrace,
There's magic in valleys and warmth in each space.
Where the rivers whisper, secrets old,
The waterfalls, stories untold.
People give hugs that speak without words,
Mountains provide solace, in silence absurd,
Society offers love, with arms open wide,
In this tapestry woven, together they bide.
We welcome you to taste our hospitality,
In this land of green where rivers flow free,
Nestled among mountains, where the heart can soar,
A divine place of beauty, calling you for more.
Be a lucky traveller,
Add life, more colour.— % &Come wander through valleys where blossoms unfold,
Each fragrance revealing the tales that are told,
This is not a crime-prone hill of despair,
But a land full of laughter, love in the air.
Then only you will truly know,
The seeds of beauty that we sow.
Prone hill area, a whispered lie,
Spread by those who aim to try,
To vanish the culture, unique and bright,
Drowning our difference in darkest night.
But this is an area of gentle grace,
A welcoming smile on every face.
With each step you take on the winding stone paths,
You’ll meet friendly faces, and share hearty laughs,
Where boys find their strength in the homes of their wives,
With customs so different, where true culture thrives.
Feel the pulse of the earth, let your worries all cease,
Here lies an oasis, a sanctuary of peace.
The stories of old, in the songs carried round,
Speak of unity, where love can be found,
Not shadows of violence or tales of disdain,
But a celebration of life, like the softest of rain.
So come, dear traveler, with an open heart wide,
Explore the true essence where Khasi and Garo resides.— % &Taste the sweet fruits of a culture so rare,
And you’ll leave with a piece of this love in the air.
For once you have visited this haven divine,
You may find it hard to draw the clear line,
Between longing for home and the pull of this land,
Where nature and laughter go hand in hand.
So linger a while, let your spirit be free,
In the heart of our hills, where you’re meant to be,
For this isn’t just land, it’s a memory of vibrant soul,
A bond woven tightly, making spirits bright and whole.
An area of purest art,
Residing deep within your heart.
*********— % &-
Green, our Queen!
Today, on Environment Day,
You plant and nurture a tree, a winding way;
Yet tomorrow, a fire's call,
The axe descends to let wood fall.
Remember, dear hearts, that green is more than just a color;
It is our queen, the crown of nature;
So, let our hands and minds
Leave gentle prints for all mankind,
For the world can run on its own so brave,
But humans depend on green's embrace;
Yet, humans, we gather, in hues of despair,
Forget that without green, none would linger there;
Remember always day and night,
Green is life, and life is right;
So let us cherish, guard, and tend
The nature's crown on which we depend.
-
May - Joy and Pain
Today is the day
It whispers, "Happy Birthday."
Another year, by grace divine,
I thank the Lord for the life so fine.
May is my birthday, a time for delight,
Yet shadows of sadness creep in with the light.
For in this month, the angels came
And called my father by his name.
Fifteen days, a fragile line,
Separates the joy that's truly mine,
From sorrow's grip, a memory deep,
Where father's slumber, gently sleep.
May, a tangled dance of joy and sorrow,
Should I wear a smile or let the tears flow?
On this special day, both dark and bright,
I stand with the blessings, celebrate with mixed delight.— % &I stand with my heart in two parts,
A smile for the blessings and ache in the heart,
For a father’s embrace that I long to reclaim,
With each candle I light, I whisper his name.
Here’s to the moments, both joyful and sad,
For the love that I carry, in the good and the bad,
For life continues, onward bound,
With memories sweet, on sacred ground.
Let the candles softly burn,
As grateful thoughts to daddy turn,
And may his soul, in peace reside,
While I embrace, life's changing tide.
I thank the Lord, for all I have,
For strength to cope, when skies are grave,
For love that heals, and hope that springs,
And comfort that the spirit brings.
But in the midst of darkness, a gentle light appears,
A blessing from the Mother, dispelling all my fears.— % &For May is Mary's month, her presence bright,
A mother's love, a guiding light.
With a rosary close, my father shall stay,
In the whispers of prayers, he's never far away.
A rosary clutched within his hand,
He journeyed home, to promised land.
My father's gone, yet close he stays,
In memory's warmth, through passing days.
And Mary's love, a solace deep,
A promise whispered, while I sleep.
So I will honor, joy and pain,
The sunshine bright, the gentle rain.
For life's sweet song, a mingled plea,
Of gratitude and memory.
Happy birthday to me once again,
And rest in peace, dear father, then,
I'll find a balance, in between,
The joy and sorrow, I have seen. — % &-
When you are gone, I feel the ache,
In every moment, in every break.
You lived for small things, gentle and true,
Now they stand tall, a monument to you.
# I. The Cemetry:
1. Fencing the cemetery with loving care,
To shield the flowers from the animals that dare.
You honoured silence, hallowed ground,
The cemetery's fence, securely bound.
2. Yet, they saw you claiming a piece of the land,
As if respect for the dead was a frivolous stand.
Unseeing eyes, a blinded view,
Of all the good that lived in you.
#II. The Old Church:
3. Where once the whispers of love were heard,
Now silence lingers, a forgotten word.
Yet you believe it's still God's place,
In every nail, your faith, a trace. — % &4. The storm raged, the church fell low,
But your spirit began to glow.
An old church, worn by the storm's fierce might,
You rebuilt with love, restore the light.
5. No one cared, the roof was torn,
But in your heart, hope was born.
God's house, you knew, still stood tall,
Answering His silent call.
6. The weeds grew high, the yard unkempt,
There someone you sent.
Cleaning the yard with grace,
Leaving beauty in this sacred place.
#III. The Village School:
7. The school lay wrecked, a sorry sight,
The storm's cruel dance in fading light.
Yet in your eyes, a vision clear,
For children's futures, held so dear. — % &8. The government lagged, help delayed,
Your dedication never swayed.
Each brick you laid, a hopeful sign,
A promise whispered, "They will shine. "
9. When others falter, and hope seems thin,
You rise up strong, and you begin.
A vision clear, for futures grand,
You invest in dreams across the land.
#IV. The Court:
10. A champion's heart, in humble guise,
For others' rights, you bravely rise.
The land of poor, you hold so dear,
Their freedom's song, for all to hear.
11. A legal shield, against the tide,
Where ignorance and greed collide.
You stood your ground, with strength untold,
Protecting futures, bought and sold. — % &12. You fight the case for those unheard,
In lands where hope seemed lost, absurd.
For uneducated, for the poor,
You stood your ground, you opened doors.
13. With valiant heart, you claimed their fight,
Now they walk free, hearts filled with light.
In your overcoat, with a hat so fine,
A hero unnoticed, by design.
14. Where can we find a soul so pure,
Whose love for justice will endure?
A champion hidden, plain to see,
Fighting for all, and setting them free.
# V. The Dorbar Hall:
15. The dorbar hall stands, a place of thought,
Where rainy days bring weeds unsought.
They sprout and climb, a verdant plea,
Believing it their destiny.
— % &16. For in this place, decisions bloom,
Dispelling shadows, chasing gloom.
The dorbar hall, a sacred trust,
Protected from the rain and dust.
17. Weeds may sprout, green tendrils of change,
Yet you see the space, vast and estranged,
For planning new paths, for meetings of minds,
A sanctuary built where respect always finds.
18. In the dorbar hall, where echoes reside,
Amidst the whispers of dreams that collide,
Each rainy day, as clouds softly weep,
You bring forth the care, with promises to keep.
19. You did lend a hand,
Respecting roots in the land.
A hall of plans, a space to share,
You tend with diligent care. — % & # VI. The Mawsor Clan:
20. You call all the Mawsor clan, those scattered wide and far,
With a voice so strong and calm, you guide them like a star.
You bring them back to one great land, where unity takes flight,
Now together they stand as one, sharing hope and light.
21. You gather them from every place,
To build a home, a shining shore.
Where unity lights up each face,
And hope unlocks a future's door.
22. From valleys deep to mountains high, your call is heard anew,
In harmony they gather ‘round, inspired by all you do.
With hands held firm and voices raised, they sing a song of peace,
United in their journey now, their worries start to cease.
— % & # VII. The Three Clans:
23. A heart so pure, a spirit bright,
Three clans within your vision see,
Mawsor, Nongmin, filled with light,
Nongbri, thriving, wild and free.
24. Where would I find a heart like yours, pure and so sincere?
An agent of three clans, you hold their dreams so dear.
Mawsor, Nongmin and Nongbri, in your care they thrive,
You nurture minds and lead the way, to keep their spirits alive.
25. You tend their dreams with gentle grace,
And lead them on a noble quest,
To find their strength, embrace their place,
And put their weary souls to rest.
26. So let the winds of change embrace, these clans so rich and bright,
With you to chart the course ahead, they step into the light.
For in your heart a fire burns, a beacon, bold and true,
Together stronger they will stand, inspired and uplifted too. — % & # VIII. The Madman:
27. The cutest thing above all, I see,
Is you in your overcoat, so carefree.
A hat atop your head, so grand,
Muffling warmth in a chilly land.
28. With litter picker in hand, you stride,
Collecting bits of trash with pride.
While passersby gaze from their cars,
Whispering tales of you under stars.
29. "Look at the madman," they lightly jest,
Yet in your heart, you know you're blessed.
A love for the earth, so pure and true,
Where would I find a father like you?
30. So let them say what they choose to say,
For in my eyes, you light the way.
With every step, my prayer does renew,
I thank God for a father like you. — % &31. The space you left, a sudden chill,
Revealed the life you chose to fill.
Small acts, now giants in my sight,
Grown large within this fading light.
32. Where does such kindness reside,
A heart so pure, a soul so wide?
Where can I find a soul so bright,
A beacon burning in the night?
33. Where would I find a heart like yours,
That stays the course, and opens doors?
In every act, a love so true,
In quiet strength, I see you.
# IX. Hope:
34. So God, we pray, with fervent grace,
Send someone like him, to fill this space.
To mend and build, with humble hand,
And bless this earth, throughout the land. — % &-
Father's Wish
1. In the stillness of the night you came to me,
A gentle whisper like a soft melody,
Your voice an echo of what once was true,
Telling us, your children, what we ought to pursue.
2. "Complete your studies and return to the roots of your hometown,
Serve the people, lend a hand,
Help them rise and stand,
Lend your strength and wisdom, a guiding hand."
3. Even in slumber I feel your embrace,
The warmth of your spirit; time cannot erase,
Through shadows and dreams, your words take flight,
A promise of purpose shining so bright.
4. Though death may have taken you far from our sight,
In the depths of my heart, you remain a light;
With each passing moment, I hear your plea,
"Come home to our people; serve with glee."— % &5. So I wake with the dawn, a resolve in my chest,
To honor your wishes, to strive for the best,
For in every step, your love guides my way;
In service to others, I'll live for each day.
6. Eleven souls, your children stand tall,
Answer your wish, heed your call.
Like eleven apostles we strive, with hearts so bold,
To build your dream, a story to be told.
7. Jealous eyes in life did see,
Yet none could know our unity,
Eleven souls on sacred quest,
We carry forth your heart's bequest.
8. We, your children, stand as one,
Like eleven apostles, work begun,
With every step, we build your dream,
In every act, your spirits gleam.
— % &9. In Umdang, whispers linger near,
Your voice, a guide we longed to hear,
Though death may claim your earthly breath,
Your dreams still echo, conquering death.
10. The seeds of service you planted for this cherished space,
Reflect your love for this unique place,
And the way you serve your people, an art of faithful deed,
Teaches us to listen to the cries and heed.
11. I am here, Papa, where you wished me to stay,
Umdang's soil, where my spirit will play,
No other place, my home to reside
Your dream I chase, day and night.
12. I stay, I serve, I understand,
Within this place, my promised land.
Your vision lives, a guiding star,
In hometown's heart, forever far. — % &-
so magnificent,
With leaves of kindness in her hand,
Spreading freely and widely,
Casting us shade like a towering tree.
Mother bears fruits for all she gives,
Red fruit, ripe and sweet,
Each love comes from her core,
And she will continue to give us more.
Suffering etched upon her bark,
Pain she hides within the dark.
Strong she stands against the breeze,
Shielding babies with loving ease.
Storms may raged and winds may blow,
Her strength and shelter freely flow.
Baby trees beneath her care,
Growing strong beyond compare.
Might and main, she will defend,
Though roots may tremble and branches may bend,
Her strength a promise,
Mother's love, until the end.-
Ha ka Sngi Thohdieng Bakhuid
Ngi puson ïa ka jingaiti bymkai
D'u briew, u khun, u paralok, u nonghikai
Uba la dem ka khlieh, la jingim u la aiti.
Ban khuid ka pop jong ngi,
U LA KYLLA JINGTIM NAMAR KA DAW JONG NGI.
U la bah ïa ka diengphna sha u lum Kalbari
B'la khia da ka pop jong ngi.
Ka jingkordit, ka jingsaja, ka jingpang bad ka jingshitom u shah.
Ban pyllait ïa ngi na ka ding dujok
Bad ka jingkhang bneng kan plie ïa ngi,
U LA KYLLA JINGTIM NAMAR KA DAW JONG NGI.
Katba u prek dang ngam jylliew
Da ka rong saw ïa ka pop jong ngi la siew.
U la pyrta sha la u Kpa
"Map ïa ki", u ong
"Naba kim tip eiei ïa kaei kaba ki la leh".
U LA KYLLA JINGTIM NAMAR KA DAW JONG NGI.
— % &
Ka bneng ka sdang dum
Ka pyrthei ka khynniuh.
Ïa ka jingïap la shah pynrem
Ka khyndew ka khih.
Ïa ka pop jong ngi la map,
DA KA SNAM BAKORDOR LA SAIT.
Ka Sngi Thohdieng Bakhuid
Ngi kynmaw ïa ka jingpyllait im,
Ka jingjop halor ka jingïap.
Ïa ka jingieid b'la jah
Ngi la shem biang sa shisien pat
NAMAR DA KA SNAM BAKORDOR LA THIED.— % &-
Ka Jingpang Swai (TB)
Ka ri jong ngi ka ap jingma,
Ba la bun ki khlam ba pur kylleng ka jylla,
Kawei na ka khlam ba pynïap ïangi,
Dei ka jingpang TB;
Ka jingpang ba don jingma lada ym sumar bha,
Bad ruh don jingkoit lada dih dawai tista.
To ngin buh ka thong,
Ïa ka jingpang TB ban rat dyngkhong;
To ngin buh ka thong ban long kiba khatduh,
Ka jingpang TB kan bsuh;
Da ka jingtreilang bad jingkyrmen ha u 2025,
Na la ri ban sar ïa kane ka khlam.
Ka jingjim ki khun ki kti jong ngi ka long kordor,
Ka koit ka khiah leilei ka long mawkordor;
Na ka jingpang swai (TB) ngi dei ban husiar,
Ïa kiba ïohpang wat ju sngew pher;
Ka jingïarap ïa ki ngin ai,
Ko nongpang, wat khih khuslai.
— % &Lada kane ka jingpang ïa phi ka trei,
To leit sha ki jaka sumar ei;
Long kiba tista ban dih dawai,
Ba kan nym ktah ïa ka doh tor bad u khyllai;
Ngi dei ban shimkhia naduh ka mynsiem,
Ba kan nym pur sha u budlum bad ka jabieng.
Lada phim lah bam ne ka shadem ka pang,
Lada phi jyrhoh ne mynmiet khieshoh;
Bad lada phi duna jingkhia, to ngin shimkhia.
Ïalade to ngin sumar, shipor da jingkynriah,
Sa kiwei ban nym saphriang da jing jyrhoh bad jingsynriah.
Da jingtreilang jong phi baroh,
Ka jingpang TB kan sa her noh.
— % &-
Rah ïa nga sha ka pyrthei thymmai,
pyrthei ïohi jingshai.
Ngan sdang skul klas A rit
trei ka kam ba phi angnud
bad ha dohnud jong phi ba ngan sahkut.
Rah ïa nga sha ka pyrthei thymmai,
Pyrthei sha lyndet ki lyoh
Ba ka mynsiem bapang kan khiah noh.
Rah ïanga sha ka pyrthei thymmai
Ka pyrthei ba phi don
Wat lada dei tang ha jingphohsniew,
ngan ïohi ïa phi man ka miet.-