TEACH THESE MATURE FINGERS

My very first recital:
 Played a piece from my Grade One book.

Learning does not have a period.

Life is all about Learning and Growing.

Nagaland is the first state in India to have introduced music as an industry. But in the process, it has produced some trashy music too. No offence!

My zeal to learn piano and the number of hurdles, which I faced is relative, if measured. Learning to play piano in one's early 30s is not so easy. Matured fingers, not little fingers anymore. However, I decided to give it a try again for the fourth time. Yes, 4th time! First, when I was in 5th standard, then, when I passed my +2 standard, then, when I was in my first year of PhD, and now. 

Why I am desperate not to give up? Learning has no age limit, I don't desire to be a concert pianist, I am a nervous freak or a YouTube singer, I am not blessed with good vocals.

Motivation? I am the third generation of literate Christians of our family who might end up not knowing even basics of piano. At least, I want to make my mom happy by playing the hymnals with simple notes.

One of the Days: Returning from my Piano class

Not a big deal even if one doesn't know how to play piano because music has no scope in Nagaland? Say it to the Naga parents in Nagaland. It looks like every household has a child undergoing engineering studies these days. Time to observe the National Engineer's Day. In days to come, the number of unemployed science graduates might supersede the unemployed musicians. 

Am I happy with the progress? My piano teacher who is like 7 years younger than me says, I am a fast learner. I am in Grade 2 now. Initial went smooth, Grade 1 has its own challenges to be met and yes, Grade 2 too demands immense hard work. I am confident that I can do it.

Before I took up the piano classes, some of my close ones were like- As a working professional, how are you going to manage your time? Are you suffering from mid-life crisis? Your finger dexterity will be a big  challenge, etc. But I went on. 

I am determined to get my Grade 8 certificate within 3-4 years. I can, I will, end of the story.

Now, wish me luck.

Thank you!

IF YOU: Songs of Love

IF YOU

If you were my classmate,

my eyes could have searched for you after every boring lecture,

in the library, in the cafeteria, in the playground.

People would have said, there goes the arrogant girl,

but my eyes would have smiled at you, always.

If you were my neighbour,

I would have been the first one to wish you on Christmas,

would have played your favourite song on full volume.

People would have said, the crazy girl does it again,

but my heart would have stayed the warmest even in cold January nights.

If you were my colleague,

I would have fixed my table next to you,

would have bought coffee every morning even if I were tight on budget.

People would have said, she is being unprofessional,

but my mind would be clearer when you are nearer.

If you are mine,

I will be the hero of this town,

will thank God every day for the rest of my life.

People will say?!

It doesn't matter what they say,

for in your eyes, I find my soul.

Ayangti Longkumer: Summary of 'To The Leader '

Dear Readers,

Due to the high demand for the summary of, To The Leader. Thanks to the SCERT, Nagaland. I, as the 'concerned' poet has decided to present to you the much awaited summary. Please have a look and if you like my work then kindly subscribe to my blog, it keeps me going. Thank you!

Summary

To The Leader, is one of the poems from the Magic Quill, an anthology of hundred poems written by Ayangti Longkumer in 2014. To The Leader, was written in the backdrop of the political scenario when the morals and the administrative abilities of the leaders were questioned by the people, although it was not spoken out loud.

This poem is not a moral preaching opined by the author, rather it represents the inner consciousness of the common people. It is more like a request made to the leader who has been elected but is yet to occupy his/her office. Hence, it is a preface of the duties expected from the leader.  No doubt they expect the leader to lead them but at the same time, they want their leader to be teachable, someone who will have the positive disposition against all odds. However, the common people expect the leader to understand their needs and aspirations not in a Messiahic fashion as they too are aware of the limitations.

This poem is also like an instruction to the leader who warmly reciprocates the advice given by the people. A humble, wise, patient and understanding leader who does not have an inflated ego is considered best for governing the people. Thus, they expect their leader to inculcate these virtues. Braveness and integrity is the sword and shield with which the people want their leader to be armoured with because the leader is the collective image of the people. And as long as she/he is standing tall nothing can befall upon them.

The Lyrics for Present Nagaland

the lyrics for Nagaland at the moment, 

corrupted is the state, high unemployment rate,so hard to fade.

then there are lives of people who dare to err. 

the lonely girl who listens to 100 sad songs, using cheap headphones, no affection, just ear infection.

the closet gay who has the largest crush on that hot youth pastor the lover of his sister.

 the cheap hipster trying to stay relevant but no texts, spinning around its own axis.

parents hate you, siblings mistreat you, everyone is dead, you read. 

a widow in 2 months, an ex-lover tomorrow, losing two jobs in a row. 

the carriage of your womb might have led to miscarriage, you might never have tiny ones to share your last name and blame. 

might be a loser in all the fields, and it feels like nothing left to be filled. 

might be depressed nothing left to impress.

life might be one tiny illusion with no solution.

but the Book says, God lives in you, the strength lies you.

happy days are gone, but good-byes are pre-hellos.

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