I AM THE RKHANG FORGOTTEN AND FORLORN
I am the Rkhang, the Rkhang forgotten and forlorn:
I used to sit in every Maring village ere;
But now I find no place in them as they've me scorn'd.
Young boys and girls I keep soon after they've enroll'd:
The boys in Kartlang Rkhang learn under Khangshillak;
Nangaka Upa in their Rkhang the girls enfold.
I am the place of learning and enjoyment too:
The youths in me are taught their culture, folklore, songs
And music, dance and living tho' I'm of bamboo.
I teach them social norms and laws before they wed;
I mold their hearts and minds to make them chaste and good;
They will be happy as these in their minds embed.
I teach young boys and girls how to make handicrafts;
I bid, bid them to keep the sacred fire--the badge
of Marings, the deft makers of diverse crafts.
I am the people's boon: I send my men and maids
To serve my people whilst they eat and drink in mirth,
And dance and sing in the thatch'd house and in the shades.
I am the hallmark of the Marings; me preserve
"In sun and shower" and thru the years I'll survive
To tell the world of these brave people that I serve.
Date: 31/08/2016
Writer: Parshung Angshim
Address: Khole Mashoukhu (Laipham ) Village
