Penthrill Publication House released its 122nd publication, I Think to Myself, a collection of poetry by Menang Longkumer, at The Book Home, Billy Graham Road, Kohima, on June 19. The programme was chaired by Angel Raikhan.
Offering a special remark on the book, author and poet, Avinuo Kire said her first impression of the collection was drawn from its title, which she described as simple, straightforward and profound. She noted that the title aptly reflects the essence of the poems, which explore the poet’s thoughts and reflections on life, nature and the beauty found in ordinary experiences.
Kire described the collection as poignant, candid and vulnerable, with moments of whimsy that invite readers into the poet’s inner world. She observed that in today’s turbulent and fractured world, poetry remains more relevant than ever, encouraging introspection, thoughtful action and honest reflection. Such reflections, she said, can serve as a moral compass in navigating life’s complexities.
In her publisher’s note, Penthrill founder, Rita Krocha said the publication marks another milestone in the growth of a remarkable young voice in contemporary Naga literature. She recalled first working with Longkumer in 2024 during the publication of his debut book, Besought Grit, where his reflective depth and literary promise were already evident.
Krocha also highlighted Longkumer’s internship with Penthrill and his contribution to The StoryKeeper Book of Mothers, released earlier this year. She described him as grounded, humble and sincere, adding that his passion for Naga literature is both inspiring and exemplary.
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“Writing requires endurance, and those who remain steadfast in their craft, like Menang, are incredibly vital. They are the future guardians of our stories, memories and cultural landscape,” she said.
She further noted that the collection features a foreword by acclaimed poet, Emisenla Jamir and expressed confidence that the discussions surrounding the book would allow readers to engage more deeply with its themes.
In his author’s note, Longkumer shared that the collection emerged from moments of silence, reflection and self-examination. He said I Think to Myself is not an attempt to offer definitive answers but rather an invitation to pause and engage with the questions, memories and observations that shape human experience.
“The phrase ‘I think to myself’ appears throughout these poems not as a declaration of certainty, but as a moment of reflection,” he stated.
Drawing inspiration from his love for the hills he calls home, ancestral stories and the changing world around him, Longkumer explores themes of belonging, memory, nostalgia and identity. The collection also reflects his belief that questioning, doubting and thinking deeply about life are essential parts of being human.
Quoting Aza Holmes from John Green’s Turtles All the Way Down — “I doubt, therefore I think, therefore I am” — Longkumer reflected on how uncertainty and reflection affirm one’s presence and search for meaning.
Describing the book as a collection of doubts, memories, questions and quiet observations, he said it serves as a reminder that not every question requires an immediate answer, and that sometimes it is enough to pause, observe and simply think to oneself.
