In Between

Shailin H. Lyngdoh

Is blindness the norm?

Blind

...is a piece by Adriel Syiemlieh who is an avid poet and actor-dramatist currently pursuing his final year of a Bachelor's in English literature at St. Edmund’s College, Shillong. Credited with multiple state and national-level poetry awards, his work often explores themes of human oneness and freedom through a contemporary-narrative lens.

Deeply inspired by voices like Khalil Gibran and Robert Frost, his writing seeks to uncover quiet truths within the ordinary. A regular café-hopper and explorer, Adriel is often found striking conversations with locals or tucked away in a corner of a familiar bar.

He currently serves as the Director of Explorator, the drama club under The Literary and Dramatic Society (TLDS) of St. Edmund’s College.

Blind

'Every rhetoric I pen questions the mind’s core—

Is the mind truly ordinary, or is there more?

Perhaps yes; perhaps there’s much in store.'

———————————————

In years traversing this living rock,

I’ve mused, counting seconds—on the clock—

What safe haven holds our sentiments tight?

Is it the fear of gods, or the fear of what’s right?

I find myself trapped, forced to conform—

Discipline, conservatism—

"Blindness" the norm!

So I ask the common Joe, “Is change so tough?

Or do old doctrines make your vision rough?”

“Oh, but religion forbids and society expects!”

Joe mutters, bound by ancestral texts.

I say, “Was faith your choice, or your mother’s will?

Baptized when mute and clueless still!”

“Did you know Christ and his apostles’ ways?”

“Would Buddha’s path ever have earned your praise?”

“Could Joe be Joe, not Joe the Blind—

But Joe the Scientist, with Darwin’s mind?”

“But society will judge me!” Joe cries in fear.

I lit my cigarette and said, sincere—

“It’s the same as when one’s Jewish or gay,

Or judged for skin, or size, or way.”

It’s natural for man to pull another down—

To lay claim to a throne, to wear judgment’s crown.

All you Blind Joes, don’t let man define your sight—

Your world is yours; let loose, don’t hang tight!

Not all choices spring from me or you.

And if judgment clouds the soul’s true view—

What are we then but beasts untamed?

By fear and rules; forever chained?

So taste the whiskey, so bitter, so bold,

Burn your opinions and break the mold!

Fuel your fire with all that you need

—Your heart’s desire; break from the creed!

Love deeply, love many—love tender, love wild.

Life’s brief and uncertain—live unknowing, child.

“Forget discipline, religion, society, and their lies—

And most of all, Joe, let the Blind leave your eyes!”  

By Adriel Syiemlieh

Autumn

... is a poem by Margaret War, a gifted writer and avid reader whose work flows with love, nostalgia, and the quiet beauty of everyday life. Her poetry and prose often evoke a sense of peace, hope, and a deep connection to nature, leaving readers wrapped in warmth and reflection.

Finally, the fresh, cold breeze touches the skin—

Once filled with rage and the warmth of new beginnings.

Autumn is the last calling of endings,

Yet it carries a soothing feeling of patience.

The brown and golden leaves fall,

and the morning sunshine brings

a sense of gratitude to finish the undone promises.

Beginnings are almost ending,

leaving me with a trembling heart—

pondering over all I’ve achieved,

wondering if the decisions were worthy.

Autumn makes me realize

There's more to do, more to improve.

Autumn is a second chance.

By Margaret War