PenThrill Publication House’s 124th publication, ‘Longings: Poetry effused in the midst of love and betrayal’ authored by Khrieltuonuo Yhome was released on Saturday at The Highland Institute, Kohima.
The book was officially released by the special guest, Dr Medongu-ü Khruomo, Vice Principal, GHSS Chiechama. The book is published by PenThrill Publication House.
Publisher and founder of PenThrill, Vishü Rita Krocha in her address said that ‘Longings’ is the 124th publication of the publication house. She appreciated the poetry book and shared her insights and gave glimpses into the journey behind the publication of ‘Longings’. She also encouraged the young author not to stop but to continue her literary work.
Chief Guest, Dr Medongu-ü Khruomo in her speech congratulated the author and said writing a book is never an overnight accomplishment but a result of months and often years of burning the midnight oil. Stating that a book of poetry is a journey of the soul, she said in a culture driven by social media likes and shares, choosing to pause and shape deepest feelings into art is a profound act of sincerity fuelled by courage.
“This book is not just a book of poems, it is a journey through human emotions — love, hope, loss and resilience,” she said, adding that Nagaland’s rich oral tradition of stories and songs is being carried forward by the author in a new form.
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Author Khrieletuonuo Yhome in her speech said it was a moment she had imagined for a long time. She traced her poetry journey to Class 9 and credited her sister’s encouragement and Rita Krocha as her biggest inspiration, recalling how she used to copy poems from Krocha’s 2011 book ‘A Bucket of Rain’ during college days.
On the title of her first poetry book, ‘Longings’, she said the collection is of emotions, memories, questions, hopes and moments from different stages of life.
She thanked Saktum Wonti for cover artwork of the book and Pekruvizo Dzüvichü, illustrator at SCERT, for inside illustrations of the book.
Sharing the inspiration behind her poem ‘Pounded Cosmos’, she said Cosmos flowers with 8 petals reminded her of the 8 letters in ‘I love you’. Through flower-pounding she found that even after being crushed, the flower leaves a beautiful imprint. “For me, the cosmos flower represents beauty. The pounding represents pain. And the colourful imprint represents resilience — that even after being broken, something beautiful can still emerge,” Yhome said.
Priced at INR 250, the book will be made available at The Story Keeper, at Billy Graham Road in Kohima.
The programme was chaired by Kikrulhoutuonuo Perpetua. Keduoneituo Yhome, Pastor, Phezoucha Baptist Church invoked God’s blessings while Kekhriengunuo Shüya presented a special number on the occasion.
The programme was attended by writers, students and well-wishers and family members of the author.
