“Nalini De Silva’s debut poetry collection, ‘Twilight Poems’, is a captivating exploration of the delicate nuances of life, beautifully expressed through the traditional form of haiku. Written originally in Sinhala and expertly translated into English by Dr. Lanka Siriwardana, these poems offer a profound journey into the essence of existence.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this collection is the seamless transition of De Silva’s original haiku from Sinhala into English, thanks to the skillful translation by Dr. Siriwardana. The translated versions retain the essence and poetic depth of the originals, allowing English-speaking readers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of De Silva’s verse.
As a member of the Sri Lanka Haiku Society and a student of the esteemed poet Palitha Senarathne, De Silva’s poetic journey is enriched by a strong foundation in the art form. Her dedication to honing her craft is evident in the quality and depth of her poems.
‘Twilight Poems’ invites readers on a contemplative journey through moments of serenity, introspection, and connection with nature. Each haiku is a poignant snapshot of life’s fleeting moments, inviting readers to pause and reflect on the beauty and transience of existence.
In ‘Twilight Poems’, De Silva offers evocative glimpses into the natural world and human experience. in “Outside the window, my rose soaks in the rain throughout the night,”
she captures the beauty and vulnerability of nature, where a simple scene becomes a metaphor for resilience and endurance. Similarly, in “Here withered flowers , on the altar too,”
she juxtaposes the ephemeral nature of life with the solemnity of ritual, inviting readers to ponder the passage of time and the inevitability of decay. Additionally “Village under floods, only the treetops,”
paints a vivid picture of both devastation and hope, where amidst disaster, the resilience of nature stands tall.
While ‘Twilight Poems’ marks Nalini De Silva’s debut in the world of poetry, her talent and potential shine brightly through the pages of this collection. With her evocative imagery, profound insights, and mastery of the haiku form, De Silva showcases a promising future in the realm of poetry.
In conclusion, ‘Twilight Poems’ is a remarkable debut that showcases Nalini De Silva’s talent as a poet. Her ability to craft poignant haiku poems in both Sinhala and English, coupled with Dr. Lanka Siriwardana’s expert translation, makes this collection a must-read for poetry lovers everywhere. I eagerly anticipate witnessing De Silva’s continued growth and contribution to the world of poetry in the years to come.”
