Sweet Dream Shillong

 

Mysterious evenings

and the distant strumming of the guitar.

People huddled together over glowing embers

the freshness in the dew soaked air

filling up my heart's innards.

The tall snow covered pine trees

and Jesus looking intently from the church

Children in bright woolens

and young lovers and their sweet nothings.

The intoxicated nowhere man lying in the dark, wet street

Oblivious to the slow life around

And the Kongs with blood red lips chewing kwai

the taxis crammed with comrades

ferrying them to never never land.

The abode of the clouds it’s called

and its crowning glory being Shi-llong.

The long winding roads

and the breathtaking view from Shillong peak.

The sails of the leisurely boats

In the silent waters of the lake Umiam.

The Scottish cottages in its wooden antiquity  

Remnants of the bygone days.

The beautiful damsels in Police Bazaar

dressed up for life’s carnival

their laughter fills the air...

and many a young hearts flutter.

Lazy Sunday morning

Sunbeam piercing through the clouds

cheerful birds and their fanciful flights

in the blue blue sky.

Beatles and ABBA joining hands with Dylan

music wafting from the antique radio in the porch.

People dressed and queuing up

to sing paeans to the Lord.

Old gents in tartan coats

with their smoking pipes akin to Sherlock

wrinkled, wizened and the signs of a good, relaxed life

ol' world charm and heart full of memories to hold onto.

The young widow with two tiny tots

Deserted by the guy whose promises meant so much once.

Bitter sweet is life's song

the crescendo intertwined with the low tunes.

Shillong gives so much to you

but it takes back some part of you too

some part of your heart…  will forever belong

and roam around in the winding lanes of Shillong.

Shillong- mysterious, mesmerizing, enticing and a cloud capped dream.

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Kwai= betel nut in Khasi language
Kong=Sister (mostly used as a dignified salutation for any unacquainted lady)
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My tribute to the beautiful hill-station called Shillong (Capital of Meghalaya) where I’ve spent some of the best years of my life. Have tried to narrate some of the most enduring images of Shillong that I still hold close to my heart...