Unrequited Love in the Streets of Shillong: The Tragic Story of U Bah

About this poem

The sonnet "U Bah" presents a story of a man, U Bah, hailing from Bhoi, who is characterized as impetuous and riotous in his behavior, and inclined to intemperate excess and remorse. On one Christmas eve, he leaves a tavern with the singular goal of bedding a woman, Ka Kong. As he stumbles through the streets of Shillong, his drunken state causes him to fixate on base lust and he encounters a woman who offers him her favors. Without hesitation, he entrusts himself to her. As the nights pass and he continues to visit her, he develops feelings for her, despite her lack of affection for him and her history with other men. His family, shocked and disappointed, seek to alter his mind through a prayer service with a priest, but his passion persists. Ultimately, he is unable to leave his family, due to his attachment to the matrilineal society and his role as the main Mama. He lives out his days in solitude and whiskey, his love for Ka Kong unreturned, a final adieu. The sonnet is written in iambic pentameter, and follows the rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The language is complex and elevated, with words such as "impetuous," "intemperate," and "matrilineal." more »