Words that Heal

After a decade of mourning the loss of her father and sister,‘Behind Closed Doors’ is a new chapter in Shirin’s life. “The book,which is a compilation of 40 poems from the over 100 that I have written over the last ten years,is in memory of my father and sister,” tells Mann,a Delhi University graduate,who would have continued putting thoughts to paper if her family hadn’t chanced upon her poems. “I was writing for myself…still do. My life,the circumstances,the situations,the loss,the relationships are my inspirations…” you hear her say. While mom Beenu knew Shirin would often scribble in her diary or tap away notes on the laptop,no one got curious until a relative read the poems and persuaded her to share them.

“Poetry has helped me deal with emotions and at the same time my family’s support through the years has made me stronger and even cheerful about life,” Shirin smiles to say. From touching lines written when she was really young to more pensive thoughts put together as a mature 20-year-old,the poems criss-cross through her various growing up years. “The reason I decided to share my work is because I feel it’s very important to express the way you feel. I chose poetry and maybe someone who went through a similar situation as mine would relate to it as well. I believe words can heal,” she saying looking you in the eye once again. Not many 22-year-olds sound this way,won’t you agree?