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 formally released by Dr Medongu-ü Khruomo, Vice Principal, GHSS Chiechama. The publication is brought out by PenThrill Publication House.
PenThrill founder and publisher Vishü Rita Krocha said Longings marked the publication house’s 124th book. She shared insights into the collection and its journey to publication, while encouraging the young author to continue her literary work.
Khruomo congratulated Yhome and said writing a book was “never an overnight accomplishment” but the result of months and often years of sustained effort. Describing poetry as a journey of the soul, she said choosing to turn deep feelings into art in an age driven by social media likes and shares was an act of sincerity and 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 oral tradition of stories and songs was being carried forward by the author in a new form.
Yhome said the book launch was a moment she had imagined for a long time. She traced her poetry journey to Class 9 and credited her sister and Krocha as major inspirations. She recalled copying poems from Krocha’s 2011 book A Bucket of Rain during her college days.
Explaining the title, Yhome said Longings brings together emotions, memories, questions, hopes and experiences from different stages of her life.
Speaking about her poem Pounded Cosmos, she said the eight petals of cosmos flowers reminded her of the eight letters in “I love you”. “The cosmos flower represents beauty. The pounding represents pain. And the colourful imprint represents resilience,” she said.
Priced at Rs 250, the book will be available at The Story Keeper on Billy Graham Road, Kohima.
The programme was chaired by Kikrulhoutuonuo Perpetua and attended by writers, students, well-wishers and family members.
