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Slingstones
Slingstones is a poetic exploration of the historical and spiritual landscape of Naga communities.
Mmhonlumo Kikon’s poems isolate and examine the unchanging nature of space and time, the past and the present, the here and now. He takes a penetrating look at the banalities of daily life that actually shape and define the contours of identity, both within communities and outside.
Kikon’s poems identify the constructs of the modern world that seek to replace the indigenous. He explores the process of self-preservation employed by tribes against the onslaught of material and ideational forces. From the habits of culture to the distinct quandary that communities have to face; from the struggle to come to terms with the evolving world to the rush to educate the so-called ‘savage’; and from abandoning the ruins of colonialism to taking a measured approach to change, this collection is an intimate and brave review of lives lived in the wide expanse of nature and their interactions with the outside world.
This is a searing portrayal of the innate and native desire to revive a cultural ethos that has been drowning in a vortex of complex and systemic institutions.
The path of these poems and their sweeping swathe is magnificent and painful.
Mmhonlumo Kikon’s poems isolate and examine the unchanging nature of space and time, the past and the present, the here and now. He takes a penetrating look at the banalities of daily life that actually shape and define the contours of identity, both within communities and outside.
Kikon’s poems identify the constructs of the modern world that seek to replace the indigenous. He explores the process of self-preservation employed by tribes against the onslaught of material and ideational forces. From the habits of culture to the distinct quandary that communities have to face; from the struggle to come to terms with the evolving world to the rush to educate the so-called ‘savage’; and from abandoning the ruins of colonialism to taking a measured approach to change, this collection is an intimate and brave review of lives lived in the wide expanse of nature and their interactions with the outside world.
This is a searing portrayal of the innate and native desire to revive a cultural ethos that has been drowning in a vortex of complex and systemic institutions.
The path of these poems and their sweeping swathe is magnificent and painful.
120 pages, Hardcover
Published September 10, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 18, 2021
A consuming anthology of stimulating poems that introduces the readers to the beautiful hills inhabited by the Nagas, their way of life and cultural ethics.The constant struggle to acclimatize to the growth and progress while carrying out the arduous task of preserving the roots is reverberating through most of them.Their pain, sadness, fight, happiness and pride in their identity is reflected in the beautiful lines of the book.I fell in love with Engagement, The Seed Sermon, The Chosen One, Afire and Songs.
October 17, 2021
"Pray, tell me how many avatars you assumed
to become you?
And knowing,
not knowing, culture was you."
Slingstones is a poetic journey across the spiritual and historical background of the north-eastern state of Nagaland. The poems talk about the self-preservation employed by the tribes, cultural habits of the communities and the struggle of Naga people to keep pace with the evolving world.
"Life is a stone
atop a broken wall;
see if it stands
the test of time."
The book highlights the difficulties faced by the people of Nagaland in coming to terms with their freedom from colonialism and embracing change. Some of my favorite poems from this book are 'immortal', 'private' and 'common burden'.
"Grief is not yours - to give, to distribute
in the pale of doom
that awaits us on the visit we make."
Not only the poems are lyrical, but they are also quite brilliant and thought-provoking. They are deeply meaningful and a bit complex to understand. Overall, a unique collection of poems that are definitely worth a read!
to become you?
And knowing,
not knowing, culture was you."
Slingstones is a poetic journey across the spiritual and historical background of the north-eastern state of Nagaland. The poems talk about the self-preservation employed by the tribes, cultural habits of the communities and the struggle of Naga people to keep pace with the evolving world.
"Life is a stone
atop a broken wall;
see if it stands
the test of time."
The book highlights the difficulties faced by the people of Nagaland in coming to terms with their freedom from colonialism and embracing change. Some of my favorite poems from this book are 'immortal', 'private' and 'common burden'.
"Grief is not yours - to give, to distribute
in the pale of doom
that awaits us on the visit we make."
Not only the poems are lyrical, but they are also quite brilliant and thought-provoking. They are deeply meaningful and a bit complex to understand. Overall, a unique collection of poems that are definitely worth a read!
November 26, 2021
That's the thing about books; you read a drama-fiction novel based in the Middle East and end up devouring several more based in that region, and then a Kafkaesque Japanese book catches your eye and you realize there's so much more in the world to read about cats and what-not!
That's what Mmhonlumo Kikon's book did to me. It made me realize there are myriad genres yet to hit my bookshelves. and it did take me to the gorgeous yet troubled North-East of India.
Poems 'Occupation' and 'Common Burden' focus on the status-gap between the people and how the less-entitled look forward to miracles to lead better lives. My favourite picks from the collection are 'Sesame Seed' that lyrically celebrates the cooking of local delicacies, 'Sold Here: Farm Food' throws a light on the richness of vegetation and farms unlike the western states, and 'Soldiers of Fortune' on the soldiers of Myanmar shifting to Nagaland, my personal favorite.
I look forward to reading more books from the poet and learn more about the lives of the mesmerizing land of the Seven Sisters.
That's what Mmhonlumo Kikon's book did to me. It made me realize there are myriad genres yet to hit my bookshelves. and it did take me to the gorgeous yet troubled North-East of India.
Poems 'Occupation' and 'Common Burden' focus on the status-gap between the people and how the less-entitled look forward to miracles to lead better lives. My favourite picks from the collection are 'Sesame Seed' that lyrically celebrates the cooking of local delicacies, 'Sold Here: Farm Food' throws a light on the richness of vegetation and farms unlike the western states, and 'Soldiers of Fortune' on the soldiers of Myanmar shifting to Nagaland, my personal favorite.
I look forward to reading more books from the poet and learn more about the lives of the mesmerizing land of the Seven Sisters.
October 25, 2021
Slingstones is a collection of 71 poems written by Mmhonlumo Kikon. The poems will take you to the history, tradition, culture, tribe of Nagas. The book will talk about the days of struggle, Nagas had during Anglo-Naga & Indo-Naga wars.
• These poems identify the constructs of the modern world that seek to replace the indigenous. They are strong, effectual, insightful, thought-provoking, and sometimes painful too. The words are rich and expressed wonderfully. The book traps you and it trapped me till I reached the last page.
• This book can be a great choice for weekend breaks for a reader. Because it's short, written in simple language. The author has used simple language that is easy to understand.
My favorite poems from this book are -
• Runaway Slaves of the Great Wall
• Immortal
• Soldiers & Fortune
• Songs
• If you are someone who loves reading poems on weekend days or to take a break, then pick this book. It's recommended to everybody.
• These poems identify the constructs of the modern world that seek to replace the indigenous. They are strong, effectual, insightful, thought-provoking, and sometimes painful too. The words are rich and expressed wonderfully. The book traps you and it trapped me till I reached the last page.
• This book can be a great choice for weekend breaks for a reader. Because it's short, written in simple language. The author has used simple language that is easy to understand.
My favorite poems from this book are -
• Runaway Slaves of the Great Wall
• Immortal
• Soldiers & Fortune
• Songs
• If you are someone who loves reading poems on weekend days or to take a break, then pick this book. It's recommended to everybody.
October 13, 2021
3.5/5
"And when the voice came,
it spoke of rain and sun,
as if it were born
all from the same mother."
Slingstones, a book written by Nagaland Legislator Mmhonlumo Kikon, is a collection of 106 poems that revolves around the history of the North-East, especially Naga communities. Each poem is intense and powerful and focuses on the native thoughts and traditions of people residing in North-East India. Some of the poems that I liked reading are 'Original Offspring', 'The Thatch Mansion', 'The Ambassador Car', 'Give Us Your Worst', 'Fortress', 'The 'Rain Prayer, and 'An Unnatural Outbreak.'
"Where does the cry so shrill?
Now in the absence of any frills,
in night or day of restrictions;
In whose arms shall we rest
the burden of our collective will?"
The book is titled Slingstones because the author has taken inspiration from the David and Goliath story in the Bible. If you love reading poetry books and would love to explore the historical and cultural background of the Nagas, then this book is highly recommended.
"And when the voice came,
it spoke of rain and sun,
as if it were born
all from the same mother."
Slingstones, a book written by Nagaland Legislator Mmhonlumo Kikon, is a collection of 106 poems that revolves around the history of the North-East, especially Naga communities. Each poem is intense and powerful and focuses on the native thoughts and traditions of people residing in North-East India. Some of the poems that I liked reading are 'Original Offspring', 'The Thatch Mansion', 'The Ambassador Car', 'Give Us Your Worst', 'Fortress', 'The 'Rain Prayer, and 'An Unnatural Outbreak.'
"Where does the cry so shrill?
Now in the absence of any frills,
in night or day of restrictions;
In whose arms shall we rest
the burden of our collective will?"
The book is titled Slingstones because the author has taken inspiration from the David and Goliath story in the Bible. If you love reading poetry books and would love to explore the historical and cultural background of the Nagas, then this book is highly recommended.
January 12, 2022
The poems in this collection provide a detour around issues of colonialism, identity crisis, death, familial ties and escapism. No wonder that they make up for a compelling read. The metaphors are minimum and the verses stand out for their sheer realism. Recommended to anyone interested in understanding India's Northeastern politics and society.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews