You Had Me from Hello
by Niepusino Liegise
You had me at the gate, Shillong,
Where clouds bowed low and wind sang strong.
Your names amaze for my tongue to chase:
Laichumiere, Nongpoh, Laitumkhrah’s grace.
Twisted? Yes. But they waltzed in my chest,
And somehow my heart remembered them best.
A city wrapped in pine-scented rhyme,
Where time walks slow, and peace takes its time.
The kwai cracked gently beneath the teeth,
And laughter echoed in alleys beneath.
Your people- oh, so kind and free,
With smiles like spring and hospitality.
And yes, I must confess with glee,
It’s the only place where I’m not the shortest one, you see!
For once, I looked around and found,
“Hey! This is my kind of battleground!”
No tiptoes, no heels… I fit right in,
And that’s where my Shillong love did begin.
From winding roads to roadside pines,
From valleys deep to hills that climb,
Your soul spoke loud without a sound,
And in your arms, my roots were found.
Though some may try to dim your light,
You rise each day, serene and bright.
Dear Shillong, you had me from the start,
With your scenic charm and your big-hearted heart.
[ Written by Niepusino Liegise, author of Love Lives Here Still. She is an educator, a law graduate,
and holds degrees in School Administration and Special Needs Teacher Training. She is also trained in
Soft Skills by ICBI, and currently serves as a teacher at NN Nagi School, Dimapur.]
