Kohima: Khrieletuonuo Yhome, a researcher at The Highland Institute, released her debut book on September 12. The collection, titled Longings: Poetry effused in the midst of love and betrayal, marks the 124th publication for PenThrill Publication House. Dr. Medongu-u Khruomo, Vice Principal of GHSS Chiechama, led the release ceremony in Kohima.
Yhome traces her writing roots back to Class 9. She recalls reading a school magazine that sparked her interest. She penned her first poem in Class 10. Reflecting on that start, she noted, "at that time, I never imagined where those first few lines would eventually take me."
Vishü Rita Krocha’s 2011 book, A Bucket of Rain, served as a primary inspiration for Yhome. Her colleague, Sholu Movi, first introduced her to the work. Yhome described her new collection as a gathering of memories, questions, and hopes. Writing provided an outlet for complex thoughts. She stated, "poetry became one way of giving those feelings a voice."
Dr. Khruomo praised Yhome for bridging the gap between traditional oral stories and modern written literature. She noted that writing requires immense sacrifice over months and years. Publisher Vishü Rita Krocha acknowledged the local struggle of launching new authors in a region where the publishing industry is still growing. Pastor Keduonietuo Yhome of Phezoucha Baptist Church delivered the dedicatory prayer. Kekhriengunuo Shüya performed a musical number, while Kikrulhoutuonuo Perpetua chaired the event.
Updated at 13th September 2026 at 9:47am
The event took place at The Highland Institute in Kohima. During the talk, Yhome revealed that she spent her college years copying poems from Krocha's book onto sheets of paper. She also noted that a piece of her remains in the poems as she learns to understand herself and move forward. She added that while the poems are deeply personal, they take on new meanings once they reach the hands of a reader.
Dr. Khruomo called the debut a turning point and a journey of a soul. She also praised the author for showing guts by choosing to write in a culture dominated by social media likes and shares.
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