Triin Soomets

Poems

Non-fiction

About Triin Soomets

Triin Soomets (born 2. III 1969) is an Estonian poet.

She was born in Tallinn, and studied Estonian philology at the University of Tartu. Since completing her studies in 1994 she has worked as a proof-reader and editor on several newspapers. She received her second bachelor’s degree in philosohy from the University of Tallinn in 2024.

Soomets began publishing poetry in journals in 1986. Soomets made her debut in 1990 with the collection Sinine linn (‘Blue Town’), which was part of the joint work Luulekasett 90 (‘Poetry Cassette 90’). Also making their debut on the same cassette were Elo Vee (Elo Viiding), Liisi Ojamaa, Ats (Aidi Vallik) and Ruth Jyrjo. She is one of the most innovative and mysterious Estonian poets of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. In her poetry she has created a new approach to gender cognition. On two occasions (2000 and 2009) she has won the Juhan Liiv poetry prize.

Soomets’ poetry has, since she started, been primarily in free verse, often with an erotic undertone. In her modernist way, Soomets combines in her imagery powerful motifs of the body, of violence, of metal, of blood, of machinery and roses. On the one hand they represent traditional clichés, creating unexpected associations in new contexts. Soomets’ poetry is characterised by the combination of cultural traditions with individual style, the creation of narcissistic and erotic tensions, dramatic play, and theatricality. Her lyrical self takes different (female) roles and moves in different worlds: it might be a romantic heroine, bisexual, masochistic, sacrificial, a tyrannical lover, or anything. Erotic and dramatic situations alternate with lyrical ones, and monologues with dialogues. In her poetry there is always an “other” present. The upper layer of her texts leaves a carnival-like impression (accompanied by linguistic playfulness) but the various cultural symbols and physicality at the same time emphasise serious conflict situations and passions.

A. Mv. (Translated by C. M.)

Books in Estonian

Poems
Sinine linn. Tallinn: Eesti Raamat, 1990, 57 lk. [‘Kassett ’90’.]
Janu masinas. [Tartu]: T. Soomets, 1994, 46 lk.
Randmes unejanu. Tartu: T. Soomets, 1994, 46 lk.
Pidurdusjälg. Tallinn: Tuum, 1999, 62 lk.
Soon. Luuletusi 1989-1999. Tallinn: Tuum, 2000, 106 lk.
Leping nr. 2. Luuletusi 2000-2003. Tallinn: Tuum, 2004, 63 lk.
Toormaterjal. Luige: Verb, 2004, 59 lk.
Väljas. Tallinn: Tuum, 2006, 62 lk.
Varjatud ained. Tallinn: Tuum, 2009, 110 lk.
Asjade omadused. Luige: Verb, 2013, 47 lk.
Hulgakesed. Luige: Verb, 2015, 51 lk.
Valitud omadused. Valitud luulet 1990-2015. Tallinn: Tuum, 2016, 327 lk.
Armukesed. Luulet 2017-2018. Tallinn: Tuum, 2017, 64 lk.
Vaba raha. Tallinn: NyNorden, 2017, 62 lk.
Pind ajajoone all. Luulet 2019-2021. Tallinn: Tuum, 2021, 94 lk.

Prose
Targa ja rumala jutud. Lelle: Allikaäärne, 2017, 59 lk.

Children’s books
Miks sul pole saba?. Illustreerinud Tiina Mariam Reinsalu. Tallinn: Päike ja Pilv, 2012, 32 lk. [Luuletused.]
Unerong. Pildid joonistanud ja kujundanud Anne Linnamägi. Tallinn: Päike ja Pilv, 2013, 32 lk + noot + 1 CD. [Laulud.]
Hea ja kurja jutud. Illustreerinud ja kujundanud Anne Linnamägi. Tallinn: Päike ja Pilv, 2015, 37 lk. [Jutud.]