Sunken

     This piece is by Labiba Zaman. A Bengali-American artist who, recently, lost her grandfather. Dr. M. Maniruzzaman. He was a linguist and author, well known for his contributions to education. To Labiba, he taught her to pursue her dreams. He was an example that he can make his mark in the world by being adamant that his dreams will come true through hard diligent work. When Labiba was young, her grandfather would make sure to collect all her drawings, dating them, and putting it in a file tucked away under the thousands of books he collected. He would make sure to calm her down with lullabies in the middle of the night during the summer vacations she would visit, carrying her even when he had a bad back. He would be present in her life by showing how culture and art were important things because it provides evidence of a moment in human existence.

     One of the fond memories Labiba looks back on when remembering her grandfather would be when he taught her how to make a paper boat. It was a hot summer day in Bangladesh. On the dining room table, 5 year old Labiba and her 68 year old grandfather sat down to create something. Her grandfather had cut out a sheet of newspaper, meticulously showing each step to his granddaughter. He folded and creased each part with a envelope knife. In the end, a perfect little paper boat was made. Labiba would then take the paper boat and excitedly put it in a bucket of water, seeing it float and soak up the water to then wither down to the bottom. Disappointed, she then proceeded to make a paper boat herself too.