Chhinlung

That’s where I came from: a cave of stone with

Jagged edges, its belly dark and dank; joined to

Earth’s boiling bowels.

One day, they say, out of this cave

Our ancestors emerged; out they marched

in groups, tribe by tribe.

First came the Sailo tribe, with bearing proud

Their faces grim, set with intent to reign,

That will no resistance brook.  

The Luseis came in sight, their lordly stride

And genial mien a courtly role portend.

Their dialect rules the roost, unites the state.

The Lais appeared a humble lot at first

Yet eyes belie a fearless warlike race

Who fight to the death and know no flight.

The Hmars have magic in their blood;

To rule or conquer not their aim,

Shaman they were to play a priestly part.

At last surfaced the Ralte tribe

With cheery chatter, merry clatter

They filled the cave with jolly din.

The first-come tribe, who claimed superiority,

Curled their noses at such frivolity,

Decided it must end.

They commanded all the tribes

To shut the cave-mouth and at once!

Before more noisy crowds advance.

And so they took a boulder huge

They closed the cave – a heinous deed!

Shut their brothers in, denied them daylight.