The fragrance of love, the swirling steam, and the warmth that mingles with our breath. That, sweetheart, is the coffee we pour each other amidst variegated spring flowers, through the luminous summer days, while holding hands in the soft autumn drizzle, and huddled together against the gloomy winter cold.

Each season we make coffee our indissoluble bond; each day we make coffee our unbreakable ritual. How can I forget the moments we spent by each other's side, over the hot coffee, your arms around me, your eyes twinkling with happiness, and your laughs so vibrant with joy? I cherish those supreme moments of togetherness, and still bask in the glow of your radiant face.

As each day dawns I come to you with a rosebud in hand, an affectionate heart, and a cup of coffee that we share. More than just a brew, our coffee keeps us warm, together, and secure. Did you not say how comfortable you felt with me, and how thrilled you were with my touch that you call magic? That is, sweetheart, because the coffee I make is the daily love potion you want for us. Now and forever.

4 April 2004

  Cà Phê Mình Rót Cho Nhau

  Cà phê anh rót cho em
  Cho ta cùng uống những ngày đầu xuân
  Cà phê em rót cho anh
  Cho ta cùng uống nhưng ngày hè vui
  Cà phê thơm ngát hương thu
  Cho nhau hơi ấm những ngày hàn đông.

  Anh nhớ mãi, mắt nhung huyền yêu dấu
  Êm như thơ, như mặt nước hồ thu
  Anh còn nhớ những phút giờ êm ái
  Em với anh quấn quýt tay trong tay.

  Anh còn nhớ tiếng em cười em rộn rã
  Vui như oanh ca hát đón mừng xuân
  Anh còn nhớ những nụ hôn nồng cháy
  Mắt long lanh thiết tha trong tình say.

  Anh đến với em,
  với hoa hồng sáng sớm
  Với cà phê, trong tình thắm vạn niên.

  Anh đến bên em,
  với tim nồng máu thắm
  Và tình yêu bất diệt không phôi pha.

  Hè 2003

  The Coffee We Poured

  The coffee that I poured for you, my dear,
  Let's drink it up to those budding spring days.
  The coffee that you poured for me, my dear,
  Let's drink it up to merry summer days.
  The fragrance that graces the autumn brews
  Warms up our hearts through those cold winter hues.

  I will fore'er hold your lovely soft eyes
  As sweet poems reflect the autumn lake.
  I still recall those fond moments of days
  When you and I unite in tight embrace.

  I'll always remember your lively laughs
  Echo the oriole's spring song with grace.
  And I love those burning kisses of yours
  That make your eyes shine in ecstatic bliss.

  I came to you gently, my sweetheart dear,
  Dainty rosebud in hand this morning clear,
  And this coffee for our eternal love.

  I came to you my cherished darling dear,
  With my blood-red seething heart full of love,
  Undying tenderness year after year.

  18 August 2003