Disquieted

Disquieted Sóng Viê.t-Ðàm Giang Introduced and Translated by Thomas D. Le

You came one day from an unknown parallel universe that I never suspected could have existed somewhere in reality. Suddenly, unexpectedly, you materialized in my world, shattered the peace of my life, and thrust yourself into my reality, as if driven by an irresistible force. Barely met, you were smitten and swept away at first sight by the powerful emotion of love.

From that point on, in unalloyed fatalism, we were strangers no more. On the first meeting, you came, you saw, and you were conquered. Captivated, the once proud loner that you were gave in to a single-minded passion. For me.

How it all came about I can only speculate. Perhaps I had consciously or unconsciously responded with an overture that urged you on. Perhaps your heart leaped at the sight of me. Perhaps, perhaps... I can let my imagination run unchecked, but I can never cease wondering where the mighty force that drove you had come from.

Only one thing is now sure: We both know that our mutual attraction has brought on a yearning that can never wane, and a desire that burns out of control, overtaken by emotions stronger than ourselves.

This female voice, in essence, is what Song Viet-Dam Giang has captured with such authenticity, empathy and insight in Disquieted.

Ba^ng Khua^ng

Anh bie^’t em mo^.t su+. ti`nh co+`
Ga(.p nhau hai ngu+o+`i ba.n ban so+
Ngo+` dda^u se’t...ti`nh nhu+ vu~ ba~o
Cho+.t mang anh va`o co~i chao ddao.

Tho+ ti`nh anh tru’t nhu+ mu+a ra`o
Gia?i ba`y ta^m su+. nie^`m tu+. ha`o
Mo^.t tro+`i mo^.t dda^’t mi`nh mo^.t co~i
Nha^’t quye^’t ye^u em cha(?ng ke^? sao.

Nha^.n tho+, em cho+’i vo+’i buo^?i dda^`u
Mo+ ho^` em dda~ ba(’c nhi.p ca^`u,
Go+.i ho^`n tho+ anh trong tie^`m thu+'c
Kha’t vo.ng ye^u thu+o+ng tha^’m nhie^.m ma^`u.

29 December 2002

Disquieted

Met in fortuitous circumstances
Just as any two new acquaintances;
Then the unexpected thunderbolt smote,
Threw you head over heels out of your rote.

You poured endless showers of love letters
To bare your soul proud and without fetters.
Once you stood lone and tall under the sun,
And now you fell for me dogged and stunned.

Your mail found me so thorough thunderstruck.
Vaguely I knew a bridge had been built up
To reach your poetic soul’s deep wellspring,
And shake us with love’s magical yearning.

22 November 2003