An Ode to Nature - Rhilo Mero (BA 6th Semester)

Out from the cold dark eternal space,
You were seamlessly created by the Creator,
From the books of Chapters and Verses
You have been mentioned as a part of the creation.

From nothing into something,
of the smallest to the biggest.
From starry heights to the deepest,
You are the awe and wonder of everything.

The breathless and the breathing,
The stillness and the raging forces,
The light and the dark,
You comprises of them all!

This 'World' would not be called one
If it were not for you.
And 'I'...?
I am nothing, but a part of you.

'I' am a slave of time and death
My body will wither only to turn to ashes
And from my ashes, you'll rise again.
You are in all, the greatest!

In Search of a Hero - Loinoli H Chophy (BA 3rd Semester)

Life is dead rough sometimes,

Takes you back to olden times;

Where fate put you in tempests,

And you went through a tough phase

Such situations, never ready to face.

Echoes of my screams running wild;

Of the pain I thought it was mild.

Whenever I closed my eyes at night,

Visions of the war I just begun to fight,

Flashed in a frenzy light.

My mother once told me about,

The heroes who would come around,

And save you from the depths of sorrow,

So you can face another tomorrow.

Was it just a story to cheer the fallen?

I searched for my hero everywhere,

Only to realize he was nowhere.

Where was my hero when I needed him?

When my harsh life left me dazed

And lost wandered I through the meadows.

My feelings seemed a game for life,

Like rolling stones down the hills.

I cried until my throat had died.

Spiting on my miserable life,

Which stabbed me like a knife.

The hero I very much yearned,

Never reached me in the end.

In the end, sinking on my misery,

I realized, there was something untried,

To be a hero for myself!

I thought to myself

“If heroes are there for us,

Who is there for them?”

And then like a lightning,

It stroked and crossed my mind.

“Heroes must have been my kind”,

Played by life until they cried,

But they stood up and tried.

And with a sense of relief,

With all my might to find, I finally stood.

The hero; not the one who will save me,

But the one who resides in me.

Because at the end of the day,

I am my own hero, now and forever more.

Picture courtesy - TV Guide

Dancing Highway - Raben Lotha (BA 2nd Semester)

In the hub of Purana Bazar,

Locked in Dimapur’s heart,

There’s a highway “dancing”!

You may not know…

But this road is an offshoot

Of NH-29, a silk route.

At the most,

A few hundreds and then some,

Travellers, weary and shakey,

Pass by to reach their destinies.

It ebbs and flows,

Growing mucky in July,

Half painted black for the rest.

This fateful “dancing highway”;

It’s outlandish and it’s daft!

But I wish you take

A ride takes that way.

And know how, like my hunch.

The weather is going to turn

Nasty and mucky again.

Oh! “YOU” Billionaire,

You fly high in the sky,

Thundering across the rustic area,
Like a shooting star.

And do not know,

What my hunch feels like.

Hear me, I pray!

Do not let the road

Dance and and fall like waves.

This road is for

Every Nation, tongue, and tribe.

And now it’s the time,

The day and the year,

To rebuild the “Dancing Highway”.



Image courtesy - Sunil Deepak (2015)

The Darkness - Kechangutuo Meyase (BA 2nd Semester)

I look in to the night sky and I wonder “why”?

Why is there so little we know,

So little we see.

All I know is that I’m me.

I see the beauty in the darkness.

It may be there, or may be not.

But endless thoughts flourish my mind,

Of what I want the darkness to be.

If it was mine, I’d cherish my possession.

But if light unveiled something terrible,

I can’t say I’d be proud of my darkness.

Though I’d stand by it.

I wouldn’t return my back

On something I wish to be beautiful

My darkness is youthful,

So it may always change for the better.

But if the darkness was something great,

Others would grow irate.

That I took a change and paid off.

 I’d lay down and die for my darkness.

I think you should believe nothing you hear,

And half of what you see.

But I have full loyalty in what I see.

Why? Because I see its beauty.

A World In Despair - Aremtenzuk Longchari (BA 2nd Semester)

Look as they build up courage,

To take the first step, trembling,

Till they are filled with rage.

There they lie, fighting,

For a tomorrow they may never see.

Look at the hate we’re breeding,

How did we come to this?

A world that’s bleeding,

Can we ever hope to find bliss

In this world, that’s crying for help?

Look at the fire in my heart.

Remembering the heroes that died,

My heart aches for a new start.

But alas, are our hands tied,

I fear the day, I’ll care no more.



Image courtesy: bannerheads.com

Futility of Success - Imchenmeren (BA 6th Semester)

You had a dream,

You wanted it to be true.

You gave your very best,

And you did achieve it.

You became successful,

You then had wealth.

And then you had power,

You made your dream come true.

But

You lost something precious;

You lost your emotions for love.

You had everything materialistic.

You lost the feeling

Of love and happiness.

Fallen so deep in your own dreams

You forgot what was most important.

You lost your son,

Your own daughter,

Your wife

And alas…yourself!

Image courtesy: www.tv.com

Seeker - Mereninla Jamir (BA 4th Semester)

When worlds collide with  pride,
And minds where none exist;
Life just not a mere ride,
Rather how we live to exist.
Seeker I am, seeking for a solution,
To end conundrum she has to face,
Minds of men are a delusion,
And thus, leaves no trace.

No being knows what she's worth,
A duty it has been to serve humanity.
If only we see her value indeed,
And focus to perform our duty,
She will grow to give her best,
And all because of our sincerity.
That we put ourselves to test,
We will be loaded with her prosperity.

A day put myself to discover,
How it feels to be in midst of nature.
Her music enchants like a cover,
Where she chants of an ambiguous future.
The songs once relished with joy,
Have turned out to be a lament.
Tears roll in absence of an absolution,
In this greedy world of torment!

His art has solely been magnified
In all glimpses of her beauty.
Yet His works not been justified,
As we never sought her beauty.
What we see is for one's own self,
The eye not a seeker but destroyer,
Of mother nature and own self.
Thus to us, we have become a betrayer.

The Lost Love - Z Tonikali Kiba (BA 2nd Semester)

There was once a time,
When your laughter sounded melodic.
Your presence made me young,
And filled me with glee.
Alas! Those times have faded,
Like the passage of the winter winds.

We are with each other, yes.
And everything seems like before;
Nothing is...nothing!
On a cast bench of iron we sit,
Blemished with rust, flawed.
A long time has passed indeed.

The green leaves they sway,
Making the sun shine in patches.
The Christmas decor glows and swirls.
Perhaps we'll never love again,
But I know this, my dear love,
We'll never forget us as well.



Models: Ms Kinitoli Aye and Mr Nivibo Sumi 

A Father's Love - Rhilo Mero (BA 3rd Semester)

To my unseen child, my one and only,
A fragment of my soul and flesh.
Who'll make me glad and happy,
And be the dawn of a new era.
So many things to tell and show you,
And even more to learn from you.

Right now I write to you,
Who will soon be born of me.
I know not of your nature,
Nor do I know of your future.
Tis’ much I know, that I’ll have you,
And with time we’ll grow together too.

I shall gift you my treasures,
To fill your world with pleasures,
So you may know what’s mine is yours;
Yours to keep and yours to store,
So that you may also do the same
To keep the honour of the Mero name.

Should you be a boy; be the man she loves,
Should you be a girl; be the one he is proud of.
If I were to choose between the two
I know I wouldn’t even dare to so do.
For I’m happy to have any,
In sharing my love that’s plenty.

Lastly, when the years go by,
Being human, I do fail you some day,
In supporting you unquestionably,
And be an embarrassment indeed,
In front of your friends be a pain,
Will you still call me your dad again?

I pray you do,
And even if you don't,
Forever my child you will be.

A Prayer for My Son - Vinika Chishi (BA 3rd Semester)

In the still evening of June,
A grieved heart sought for solitude.
Men could be cruel if they chose to lure.
The fate of a child has no place for a fool.
Beside the window, I stood still glaring,
The pavements visited by the echoes of children.
If a mother's desire I had for my firstborn,
A son I should say should be delivered of course.

With time ticking, I uttered a prayer,
Chose every word with careful dictation.
Every sentence out of love came from the heart,
Words of blessings and protection spoken.
It is the will of every mother for her son's happiness,
Destiny emerged from the tongue of a mortal.
For I was born into the world to fulfill,
The wishes of my dear mother's prayer.

His eyes when opened, look upon my love for him.
All his playful days be filled with wonder,
Songs of my lullabies put him to dream sweet dreams.
Everyday be an adventure as he greets the sun.
Like a prince I would like him to feel and know,
Whatever he needs, love, peace, hope, all is his possession.
Yes, may he have all the joys in the world,
Every good thing a mother could wish for her beloved.

I pray, he love his mother dearly,
As Jesus loved His mother Mary in obedience.
Oh, time will go by, he'll soon be but youthful,
Curious and fragile, seeking attention and purpose.
The truth he may know the worth of his breath,
When the maker maketh only one of him.
Friends be true that like Jonathan was to David
And villains as wicked as Iago depart from his presence.

Let him be favoured as Joseph, his dreams fulfilled,
Granted honour and success by God Almighty.
May his enemies kneel to him in conviction.
And my son, with a forgiving heart offer reconciliation.
Give him strength like Hercules, not to destroy, rather lift,
His presence lifting the heavy hearted with delight.
Ever be humble and ready to embrace weaknesses.
As King David did in his hour of repentance.

May wisdom be his faithful friend,
As he learns the realities of life.
A grip on truth, never to let it slip,
If an enemy he must have, ignorance be it.
Toil and hardships he will face to earn bread,
Gain satisfaction and gratitude as his harvest.
The world influencing young men to cheat,
May my little boy rise up to be an example for loyalty.

Compassion is what I require of the brave soul,
His nature to never hurt a woman, never at all.
Being every woman's dream but existing only for one.
Samson's strength lay in his long hair,
Deceived by a woman, Delilah her name.
Plotting her husband's death, get thee away woman.
Forget his heart, not a strain of hair she shall get.
But a woman of integrity follow him, like Ruth to Naomi.

A day will come, my son, a Father.
Papa! Daddy! Will a tiny mortal call.
To find happiness is a journey within.
To read the map of one's own soul.
May he see the true treasures of life.
A family, a relationship, and Love's inheritance.
His eyes be opened, his heart speak in agreement.
"Life is good, my mother's prayers have been answered."



Image courtesy: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com

A Tribute to Our Fathers- Tokavi V Sumi (BA 5th Semester)

Unbroken praises be yours, God,
Father of Heaven and Earth,
For blessing us our adorable fathers.
What a fortunate gift you are
Proud to entangle with you.

How phenomenal are your actions!
That gratify us with hope
One becomes obscure without you
Until you come and sit awhile
Silence wraps us with sorrow.

You lead us from darkness to light
With joy to fulfil our dreams
May your faith continue to flourish
For we appreciate your kindness,
Filled with constant care.



Image courtesy - nytimes.com

Tranquil Dispositions - Photograph by Yanbeni Yanthan (Asst Professor, Dept of English)

Time to Say Goodbye - Petenietuo Virie (BA 6th Semester)

Together we came as strangers,

Not knowing the uncertain future.

We started with a smile,

Then with a talk,

And then exchanged joyous laughter.

With time we became friends,

Undreamed, that once just strangers,

Could become oh so dear.

Like the speed of light, days passed by.

Now we stare into uncertain future.

But the memories we have made,

Will play like a movie reel;

One scene after next, day after day.

After we have made our exit,

An empty spot in my heart will form.

And one day we shall meet,

And relive our moments again.

Until then I bid you farewell,

And wish you all the best,

My dearest and loveliest friends.

Photograph courtesy: Nenti Photography and Graphic Design

High School Days - Ayusanen (BA 2nd Semester)

Beautiful were those days,
When everything seemed so serene.
Life was easy and beautiful,
Free from any burdens of any kind.
Free from the load of expectations.
Free like those wild birds,
Life was all about living
Each day by its merit.

Remembering the days of yesteryear,
Brings a tear to my eye.
The place where everything was joyful.
Annoying the teachers just for fun,
Silly pranks would make us laugh.
Half listening to what was taught,
And half a ear on the ticking clock.

My beloved high school buddies,
I miss them relentlessly.
With their jubilant company,
Even punishments would be exuberant.
They made me laugh when I felt low,
They gleefully accepted me,
Just the way I factually am.
I know our friendship will last,
It can never fade away.

Years of my life have rolled away,
Those classes, stern scoldings,
The iron gates that welcomed us each day.
The invigorating aroma of the canteen,
Its all but a memory now.
I was shaped here,
I learn to respect, and I learn to give.
I learnt about the world, and to be disciplined.
It taught me about life, and how to live it.

How I wish I could turn back time,
And relive those years gone by.
As I traverse through time,
I face pain, I face sorrow,
I face success, I face joy,
But, my high school days shall forever be,
The best days of my life!

Image courtesy- mensfellowship.net

The Last Write - Vini H Aye (BA 2nd Semester)

Give me a reason to live,

For my heart can't hold anymore.

The pills are no longer effective,

And this is not what I want.

Hear me, hear what mangles me.

My days grow frightfully short.

Earning a name is what I aimed,

Always wished for innocent fame.

I see no lights now,

Dullness has filled my paths.

My heart may not beat for long,

And this may be my last write.

Before destiny takes its course,

Let me shine like the sun.

So I can give hope to my undying malady,

And believe I've lived enough.


Image courtesy: www.returnofkings.com

Lamentations - Moikup Longcha (BA 6th Semester)

Where is love?

Where is peace?
I don’t feel any of it,
For I see only tears of pain.
Every morning when I wake up,
I hear the screams of killing and corruption,
And of wars demanding freedom,
While no one knows the reason for bloodshed.
No one cares for someone’s life,
And what grows is hatred,
Which in turn brings fear.
Can anybody hear the cries of souls?
Does anybody see the pain of love?
Where is humanity?
What on earth is happening?
Alas! These are unanswerable questions.
Who are we to blame,
The leader? The politician?
Do I dare blame religion?
Thousands have lost their lives,
And people fear people.
We are living, just waiting to escape,
This funny, cruel, and evil world.

Photography credits- Eiward Photography

In Memoriam - Sosangmar (BA 4th Semester)

Like waves of the sea, our days are gone,
And this little life is undone.
When in the wee hours I saw the glimmering light,
Your home, it came to my sight,
Blissful childhood memoirs to forfeit.
It embraced me with a warm gentle touch.
But alas! This dreamland wouldn’t last.
For away from home I had wandered such,
This blessed thought is like chasing a cloud.
That gifts me a benign cruel blow,
And yet fills my soul with thy glow,
To survey this land with a thought.
Everything in its season leave memories,
Only some are as special as yours.

Image courtesy- http://petanqueandpastis.typepad.com/

A Requiem - Vinika Chishi (BA 2nd Semester)

Restless souls craving muses.

“Lay your feet on the crisp grass,

Feel the wind so fair, the sun so warm.”

And fainter grow the voices of nature.

Helpless beings trees are.

If movable they were,

I often do wonder,

Would they shift,

Like the cart that shifts bricks?

Yellow, red, green, and brown,

Colours taken for granted.

Trees, they say, “Our leaves fall,

Stop for a moment, smile...live!”

For their fate is iron clad.

Those memories they held, rooted deep,

Perhaps they stand firm to this day,

Telling us, “There is no place like home.”

The tranquil fresh air,

The music of the breeze.

We will mourn the emptiness,

Mourn indeed.

For they love us humans,

They would lay their branches,

And trunks would be bared,

All for our convenience.

Maybe some scorching day,

Someone will stand there and lament,

“Something is missing…

Something that was so wonderful.”

 Little did they know,

A faithful friend had they,

Who now is forever lost.

Modernity comes, but at what cost!

Photograph Courtesy: Anjan Behera

Confessions of a Nervous Mind - Vini H Aye (BA 2nd Semester)

And now is the time,

For garnering what was sowed.

All things in the world,

Seem like awaiting a rebirth.

The beginning is unknown,

The past is unforgettable,

And the future is unpredictable.

As minds shiver,

And hearts grow cold,

Everything dons a pale demeanor.

Things that we everyday do,

Today seems all new.

The winter seems chillier,

And fears of a tempest prevail.

All we need to do,

Is to stand firm and strong,

By faith, by hope, and by truth.

It’s time to face fears,

Gather rewards and prove,

Our destiny and future,

All inscribed on those faithful boards.

Image courtesy- ignitechurch.com

A Sonnet on Solitude - Tokavi Achumi (BA 4th Semester)

It often weakens,

Fills with sorrows and pains,

And like a house without a backyard,

It doesn’t fade into oblivion.

It’s like a parasite,

Which remains blind and deaf.

Moments seem to last for eternity,

And nothing seems viable.

Contentment is a virtue to be learnt,

And patience is a ware to deal with it.

You can fool its vast magnanimity,

With cheer, and a good spirit.

It shall perish away like the first bloom,

At the luscious dawn of glee.

Photograph courtesy - Spearheads Photography