Shillong Shopping Poem by Daniel Trevelyn Joseph

I remembered she liked it very much,
The wrap-around she bought in Emporium
In the north-east, last time our family was
Together here in Shillong and Cherrapunji.

So, I went to the lively market
In Shillong crowded, mixing
Cars and people, going in
And coming out of Parking Lots.

While others were buying things
I waited and asked later
About what I wanted to buy
For my wife.

The same shop had those lungis
As they chose to call them: I chose
Three of them, of different colours
Of Khasi Hills.

Then I saw something, and found
It was lycenphaeng:
That is a razoi that is to cover
Oneself in bed, when cold.

Selected the blue colour to match
With existing colours in my bedroom
In Mumbai and bought it, of a small size
Not double since I knew it wont get in.

I won’t have space in bags:
I don’t like to carry too many pieces
Of baggage, the hallmark of Indians
Going abroad, once upon a time!