Pena’s Lament

Nishikanta Sagolsem
In Kanglei’s heart, an euphony resides,
Cheijing – The majestic ‘strument, our pride.
Its melodious tune, a declining pride?

Once royal furtherance, it did adore,
Yakairol to Chingkheirol, incomplete with thee.
Now forgotten, with the modern plea,
Plea of what? Plea of Modern ‘strument?

Tuned and harmonised, in every Kanglei’s occasion,
Leading the way, from birth to death;
I call thee ‘The path seeker’ of human life.
The cosmic rhythm of birth and death resounds,
The rhythm resonates –
“Poklabadi siba nai; sirabadi Pokpa Nai”
Will Cheijing perish then?

Lost in time’s sand,
Its legacy fading, like a forgotten land.
But still, its tale a hymn of Modern ‘strument,
A fading tune, seems lamenting, unheard, unspent.

On the harmony of modern ballads, we stray,
Lai Haraoba’s festive merriment, now fades away.
Cheijing competes its festive chapter, in vain,
Kanglei to kanglei, the loishangs endeavour in pain.

To safeguard and revive, our cultural heritage dear,
Cheijing calls for a plea to unite, and hold it near.
Before Cheijing becomes numb, and silent as stone,
For in its euphony, our tradition resides.