Wavering

Ma Nyein Ta Nyein is the second solo poetry collection by Nyein Hlaing, featuring a curated selection of his work written between 2018 and 2025. The title, which translates to a state of being “unsteady” or “not quite still,” reflects the turbulent intersection of personal experience and the shifting socio-political landscape of Rakhine State. The author draws a profound architectural metaphor from the Mrauk-U era. While the great temples like Shaitthaung were built with supposedly indestructible stone, time has seen them crumble, requiring brick reinforcements. This transition from “solid stone” to “supportive brick” mirrors the instability of modern life, where economic and political volatility prevents any sense of permanent calm. The book’s cover art emphasizes this by juxtaposing the temple’s ancient stone walls with the concept of unsteadiness.