Author's Note
This work, titled "Sirens Lament in Winter," is my first published book. I wrote most of the poems of this book during the pandemic. However, back then I decided never to publish them and took a break from writing. Although I dare not call myself a poet, recently I somehow managed to be brave enough to come face to face with my 18 year old self. And give her one last chance before I grow too old to do so.
As a person who struggles to be vocal about true emotions, art was my only salvation. These poems are my journey of self-discovery. These are the reflection of how my perspective and understanding of myself, the people around and the world- have changed through my transition from childhood to adulthood.
For the longest time I have been conflicted between creativity and perfection. My creativity is nowhere near perfection hence I either tend to suppress it or immerse myself in the battle of bringing out perfection in everything else I do. And a fight with self is the worst kind, as you know you'll never win. This has often led me to completely shun myself from reality and build my own world. And to capture that world I dived into the journey of writing this book, which started with criticising my own demons and ended with accepting them.
Therefore, if you're experiencing a sense of disorientation or disassociation and feeling adrift- this book might be for you. And even if you're not, it's still my sincere hope that this book brings you some pleasure.
Lastly, I would like to thank the publisher and publication house for giving me this opportunity. Special thanks to my elder brother, Arko; my cousin sister, Aboni and my close friends- for inspiring me. Needless to say, I am forever indebted to my parents; to my father for supporting me and to my beloved mother who always believes in me, whose constant blessings have brought me thus far.
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About Author
Shamanta Tajrin was born on March 1, 2002 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. She spent the early years of her childhood in various regions of Sylhet due to her father’s professional placement. And at the age of six she moved to Dhaka with her mother and her only elder brother. She studied in Viqarunnisa Noon School and College. Currently she is pursuing B.Sc in Aeronautical (Aerospace) Engineering from Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST). She acquired her affinity for poetry through maternal influence. Her poems have been published in magazines and she illustrates book covers as well. Her mother, Sharmin Matin is an author. And her father, Md. Abdur Rauf is Secretary, Ministry of Textiles and Jute. At present she lives at New Eskatan Road, Dhaka.
