Selected Love Poems of Sóng Viêt-Ðàm Giang Translated and Introduced by Thomas D. Le To Sóng Viêt-Ðàm Giang Home Page To Sóng Viêt-Ðàm Giang's New Selected Love Poems

2. Em Nhu+... Em nhu+ mo^.t so+.i to+ tro+`i, Lung linh trong na('ng, nhe. nha`ng buo^ng ro+i. Nie^`m vui mang dde^'n cho ddo+`i , DDo'n cha`o nha^n the^' nu. cu+o+`i he' mo^i... To+ tro+`i em ra('c ho^`n to^i, Tu+` Xua^n sang Ha., Thu ro^`i qua DDo^ng. To+ tro+`i tro'i buo^.c tim to^i, Giam ca^`m no^~i nho+' kho^n nguo^i dde^m nga`y. So+.i to+ o'ng chuo^'t ti`nh say, Quye^.n trong na('ng a^'m, mu+o+.t ma` nhu+ nhung. Thu+o+ng em dda~ tu+. bao gio+`? To^i na`o hay bie^'t, lo`ng sao ho?i lo`ng? Ti?nh say mo^.t co~i to+ vu+o+ng, No^~i nie^`m a^'p u? tu+o+ng tu+ da^ng tra`o... Bao gio+` to^i ddu+o+.c ga(.p em ? Bao gio+` to^i ddu+o+.c ga(.p ngu+o+`i to^i thu+o+ng ? Bao gio+` cuo^'i ngo.n to+ tro+`i, To^i leo le^n na('m ddu+o+.c ngu+o+`i to^i mo+ ? Em nhu+ mo^.t so+.i to+ tro+`i... 27 July 2002

2. Just As... Just as a heaven's silky thread That glistens and sways in the sun, You fill the world with joy so sweet, And greet mankind with lovely fun. In heaven's skein you snare my soul Through all the seasons with its powers. Your skein has trapped my heart in whole, I pine helpless through all my hours. Your web of love in drunken trance Soaks up the sun in velvet dance. When did I fall in love with you Yet not know how in my bosom? This love so deep and hurtful too Is gnawing at my heart's bottom. When will I ever see you, dear? Will ever see you in the flesh? Will ever reach heaven's web sheer To clasp you in my dream so fresh? Just as a heaven's silky thread... 10 August 2002

3. Mo^.t Ngu+o+`i Na(m a^'y tu+. nhie^n ga(.p mo^.t ngu+o+`i, Cho+.t lo`ng xu'c ddo^.ng ma~i kho^ng tho^i. Ta.m bie^.t nga`y na`o sao cu+' nho+', Ðo' dda^y hi`nh a?nh cu?a mo^.t ngu+o+`i Nho+' lu'c nhi`n nhau ddo^'i die^.n ngu+o+`i, Bo^`i ho^`i sao xuye^'n ngu't ho^`n to^i. Bao nhie^u na(m ngu? ye^n la` the^', Sao bo^~ng ddo^.t nhie^n thu+'c da^.y ro^`i !! Ba`ng hoa`ng to^i bie^'t no^~i nho+' nhung, Mo^ng lung kho^n ta? cha^'t nga^.p lo`ng. Tha^`m nghi~ : ddo+`i ngu+o+`i nhu+ gio`ng nu+o+'c, Mo^.t co+n gio' ba~o lu+o+'t trong lo`ng. Ba~o lo`ng que^n ddu+o+.c co' de^~ da`ng? Hay da. to^i dda^y he^'t the^nh thang, Cha('c ha(?n to^i dda^y chi? muo^'n dde^?, Nhung nho+' ha`nh trang gia^'c mo^.ng va`ng. 28 August 2000

3. One Man That year I chanced upon a man Who caused so much stir in my heart. I felt longing, but had to part, For the image of this one man. I remember him when face to face How my soul was in great turmoil. After years of quiet solitude I sudden awoke my heart to roil. Overcome with a deep yearning My soul filled with wordless pining, I pondered: life is like a stream, A storm that overtakes my dream. How can I forget the great inner storm That wreaks havoc in my sick heart? Surely I was destined only to bear The fond memory of a golden dream. 26 July 2003

4. Nho+' Thu Tro+`i ho^m nay dda^`u thu, Mu+a nhe bay pha^'t pho+. La' vu+a cho+'m ddo^?i ma^`u, Cho+.t tha^'y buo^`n mo^ng lung. Cu~ng trong ddo^. mu`a thu, Mo^.t na(m na`o xa xu+a. To^i dda~ ddu+o+.c quen em, Mi`nh tro+? ne^n ddo^i ba.n. Mi`nh dda~ ddi chung lo^'i, Tay na('m tay bao la^`n. Khuo^n vie^.n tru+o+`ng Ða.i Ho.c, Ha`nh lang va('ng bo'ng ngu+o+`i, Chi? co`n to^i va` em. Tro.n hai na(m e^m dde^`m, Ti`nh chu'ng ta kho^ng be^`n. Kho^ng cu`ng chung mo^.ng u+o+'c, Em tu+` ddo' xa to^i... Nay o+? phu+o+ng tro+`i Ðo^ng, New York hay Boston ? Em co`n nho+' to^i kho^ng ? Mo^.t ngu+o+`i o+? mie^`n Ta^y, Chi? thi'ch na('ng a^'m va`ng, Cu`ng gio' bie^?n chan hoa`, Mo^.t cuo^.c ddo+`i bi`nh di., Mo^.t mo^'i ti`nh cho em. 9 September 2000

4. Autumn Memory Today the first day of autumn, The drizzle gently drifted aloft. The leaves have just begun to turn, Inside I felt a sadness soft. Once too in the season of fall Some years ago and far away I had met you fairest of all, And we became friends fast that day. We walked our way close together Hand in hand and so many times Around the old college campus Along the quiet empty halls Just you and me; and that was all. For only two full happy years, But our love was not made to last. We had nurtured our different dreams And you decided to leave me at last. Where are you now in the east, New York or Boston? Do you still remember me? The man from the west Who loves the warm sunshine And the sea breeze the best, Leading a simple life And bearing your love in his heart. 26 July 2003

5. Co^ be' nho~ng nhe~o Nga('m em nu~ng ni.u ddu+'ng ca.nh hoa... Nga('m ddi nga('m la.i cu+' tuo+?ng la`: A?nh cua? co^ na`o co`n be' nho? Mo^.t co^ co`n be' "du+.a tuo+`ng hoa" ... Nho+' nga`y co^ be' : to'c cha^'m vai... Hoa xoan ru+.c no+? nhe. buo+'c ha`i; Nga^y tho+, gio' thoa?ng ho^n tre^n ma' Ða~ ma^'y mu+o+i na(m, mo^.t bu+o+'c da`i Ho^m nay, dda~ ma^'y ca?nh xoay va^`n E le^., da em va^~n tra('ng nga^`n... Nhi`n em, anh ngo+~ ddo+`i ngu+ng ddo.ng Cu+' tu+o+?ng: dda^'t tro+`i ma~i ma~i Xua^n ... 20 October 2000

5. The Innocent Little Girl Admiring the young girl by the flowers, I thought no matter how I looked at her, How she seemed like a picture, so young, So young leaning ‘gainst the wall of flowers. I remember her hair at shoulder-length A fresh open flower with softened steps, Innocent, her cheeks the light breeze had kissed. Now some decades later, what a long step. Today, after many seasons gone by, You are still the same shy and fair-skinned you. I thought, by looking at you, time has stopped. I thought, spring, my dear, has sprung eternal. 27 July 2003

6. Be^n Anh La`m sao ke^? ddu+o+.c ta^m em, Lo+`i na`o cho ddu? mo^'i ti`nh thie^'t tha. Be^n anh, em nhu+ ca'nh chim, Tung ca'nh bay bo^?ng le^n vo`m tro+`i cao. Be^n anh em nhu+ ddo'a hoa, Mo+? ro^.ng tu+`ng ca'nh ddo'n xua^n cuo^.c ddo+`i. Be^n anh so'ng bie^?n em vo+`n, Vo^~ ma.nh va`o bo+`, quye^'n luye^'n kho^ng nguo^i. Be^n anh em nhu+ ca^`u vo`ng, Sau co+n mu+a ba~o, khoe ma^`u sa'ng tu+o+i. Be^n anh ca?nh bo^~ng tha^`n tie^n, Pho^ tru+o+`ng muo^n sa('c, cung dda`n cho+.t reo. Ye^u anh ma~nh lie^.t kho^ng ngu+`ng, Lo+`i na`y tho+ a^'y cu~ng chu+a ddu? lo`ng. Chu+~ ye^u du` nha('c va.n la^`n, Va^~n chu+`ng kho^ng ddu? ke^? lo+`i em mong. 23 November 2000

6. By Your Side How can I reveal my heart, dear? What words describe my deep-felt love? By you I feel like a free bird That soars high up into the sky. By you I feel like a flower open That greets the springtime world with outstretched arms. By you I feel like the sea wave Rushing ashore to cling to you with love. By you I feel like a rainbow After the storm that shows splendid colors. By you I’m like a magic wand Conjures up music sounds in varied hues. I love you deeply, endlessly. No words or verse can tell my all. Though thousand times I have said love, Nothing can show my heart enthralled. 27 July 2003

Section 2.

To Sections

1

3

4

5

6

7

top

end

7. Nho+' Em. Em o+i ma^'y ddo^. mai ro^`i, Nhi`n ma^y lo+ lu+?ng nho+' ngu+o+`i ba.n xu+a. Nho+' em, nho+' ca? lo+`i the^`, Duy Ta^n bo'ng ma't, to'c ke^` la' vu+o+ng. Nho+' em ma^`u a'o de^~ thu+o+ng, Ca.nh em anh tu+o+?ng nhu+ ngu+o+`i ddang say. Tre^n tro+`i ba`ng ba.c a'ng ma^y, Anh mang ddi da^'u dde^? ga^y na('ng chie^`u. Cu`ng em da.o bu+o+'c e^m dde^`m, Tay em anh na('m, a^'m e^m ddu+o+`ng da`i... Ba^y gio+` bie^'t ngo? cu`ng ai ? Em ddi tu+` ddo' anh hoa`i nga^?n ngo+ 27 October 2000

7. I Miss You Sweetheart, how many an apricot blossom season Went by to leave such yearning for my cherished dear? I miss you, my love, and the promises solemn You made on Duy Tan when leaves landed in your hair. I still recall the charming colors of your dress. By your side I was caught in drunken dizziness. I gathered the clouds that spread across the sky blue To scatter them on golden sunset through and through. Together we took lovely walks in muffled steps, Your hand in mine, to feel your warmth on the long path. Now, dear, who do I talk to since the day You left to plunge me deep in endless blues? 15 September 2003

8. Ða~ ba?o Em: Ða~ ba?o se~ kho^ng la`m tho+ nu+~a; Nhu+ng ye^u anh, no'i sao cho vu+`a? La`m sao to? he^'t ti`nh ye^u me^'n... La`m sao ke^? la.i chuye^.n nga`y xu+a Cho ne^n cha(?ng cho+` anh ho?i dde^'n Cu~ng vie^'t va`i ha`ng: em ye^u anh Kho^ng no'i ra, trong bu.ng va^~n u+ng: Anh la` ca? khung tro+`i, ddo+`i em dda^'y... Anh: Ða~ no'i: anh ye^u em, thi` bie^'t va^.y, Nho+' dde^'n em, tu+`ng gia^y phu't trong ddo+`i. Nho+' dde^'n em, kho^ng muo^'n nghi~: chia pho^i, Cuo^.c ddo+`i na`y: phu't cho^'c vu~ng ne^n ddo^`i Ta, hai ddu+'a ye^u nhau cho tro.n kie^'p ... Anh muo^'n uo^'ng ha`ng mi em vu+`a khe'p, Ðem em va`o mo^.t gia^'c mo^.ng xa vo+`i. Ðem em va`o mo^.t gia^'c mo^.ng cho+i vo+i, Trong mo^.ng mi., mo^.t mi`nh em, em bie^'t... Bie^'t gi` nhi?: ta ye^u nhau kho^n xie^'t. Na('m tay nhau, ta ddi giu+~a hoa`ng ho^n. Na('m tay nhau, tho+`i gian la('ng trong ho^`n. Tu+o+?ng chu+`ng nhu+: vu~ tru. mo+'i ngu+`ng xoay... Em ye^u da^'u: nho+' em ho^`n anh say... Say ddie^.p khu'c cu?a ti`nh ye^u ba^'t die^.t Anh chi? no'i nhu+~ng gi` anh co`n bie^'t: Go.i te^n em, ro^`i chi`m dda('m mo^.ng mo+... Mo+ tha^'y em, em dde.p tu+.a ba`i tho+... Mo+ tha^'y em, anh nga^y nga^'t mong cho+`... 1 September 2000

8. I Told You So You: I said I would write no more verses, dear, But I love you, and find no words to say How deep and tender my love for you is, How much I cherish all the days gone by. And so before you had a chance to ask, I write to say how much I do love you. In silence I am happy as a lark Because you are my world, and my life too. Me: I have said, I love you so, my darling, And miss you every minute of my life. Missing you I want no thought of parting. Yet deep lakes turn into high hills in life. We love each other to the end of days. I want to drink in your just-closed eyes And take you to my distant dreamland, To the land of voluptuous dreams, The marvelous dreams for you and only you. And what else: we are so deeply in love, Hand in hand, and in the waning sunset Hand in hand, when time seems to stop And the world too has stopped spinning. My darling: my tipsy soul longs for you Tipsy to the tune of our immortal love. What can I say but what I know, Saying your name I lapse in reveries, Where you appear lovely as poetry, Dreaming of you, I pine away in ecstasy. 3 August 2003

9. Ho.c Ða~ hu+'a ra(`ng em se~ ho.c ha`nh, Nhu+ng sao ddo.c ma~i cu~ng cha(?ng ra`nh. Chu+~ chi nha^?y mu'a tre^n trang gia^'y, Ta^m dda~ vi` ai cu+' tro`ng tra`nh. 1 January 2001

9. Study I promised to really really study, Yet knew not why no matter that I tried The words just seemed to dance on the blank page Because someone had set my heart reeling. 15 September 2003

10. Gia^'c mo^.ng Cho+'p ma('t, cuo^.c ddo+`i nhu+ gia^'c mo^.ng... Bao nhie^u na(m mo+'i ga(.p nguo+`i ti`nh... Co' xa' chi chi`m no^?i le^nh dde^nh: Ke? tri ky? ma^'y nghi`n nguo+`i co' mo^.t ? Ða~ bie^'t the^' ne^n cha? ca^`n the^` tho^'t Ða~ thu+o+ng nhau, ne^n chi? co' mo^.t lo+`i: Du` gio' mu+a do+`i ddo^?i, vu~ng ne^n ddo^`i Du` vu~ tru. quay cuo^`ng, ddo+`i muo^n lo^'i ... Em vo+'i ta la^`m than trong tho+`i loa.n ... Cho+' que^n ra(`ng tranh dda^'u va^~n be^`n gan. Du` ba~o ta'p su+o+ng sa, tha'c ddo^? tre^n nga`n: Co^' ga('ng le^n, kho?i the.n vo+'i giang san ... 2 February 2001

10. A Dream Just like a quick wink life is but a dream. After years I met the man I longed for Coming to me through life’s changing fortunes. Such a soul mate can only be one in thousands. As things were we needed to take no vows. The love that bound our hearts was just one word, That saw us through wind and rain, ditch to mount, The whirling world, the thousand paths of life. You and I lived through a time of great upheaval. Never forget, my dear, to keep a steady course Through storms and fog and forest waterfalls. Try our best, for our country, to stand tall. 15 September 2003

11. Gia^.n O+` gia^.n thi` ra sao nhi? Nguo+`i ta cu~ng co' la('m khi Kho^ng vu+a` lo`ng: Cha(?ng muo^'n no'i na(ng chi... Em, lu'c gia^.n sao ... de^~ ghe't Nhu+ng anh bie^'t: co+n gia^.n thoa'ng qua tho^i Cha(?ng ga^`m the't nhu+ nu'i ddo^?i so^ng do+`i... Anh bie^'t: ta ye^u nhau nhie^`u la('m, Vi`: "thuo+ng la('m ca('n nhau ddau" Nhu+ng ta cu~ng bie^'t la`m la`nh mau... Ai dde^? ta^m va`o chuye^.n lau nhau ... Em ba^y gio+` kho^ng gia^.n anh nu+~a Vi` bie^'t ra(`ng: Anh chi? co' em tho^i ... Ma` anh cu~ng bie^'t... Em no'i ma.nh da.n la` the^'... (Tho^i, nghi? cho+i anh) Qua? quye^'t mo^.t lo+`i ... (nha^'t ddi.nh nghi? cho+i anh) Nhu+ng ta^.n dda'y lo`ng: Va^~n so+. ma^'t anh tho^i... Nhu+ng ai ma` chi.u nha^.n... (Suy bu.ng ta ra bu.ng nguo+`i) 11 March 2001

11. Angry Anger, yes, what is it? Times are when things Seem to go wrong, Silence is best and strong. Sweetheart, when angry you are mean. But I know, your fury’s only passing And is not a mountain splitting. You know we are deeply in love. The more we love, the more we hurt. But we also know to make up And shrug off things that do us smart. Now with me you are no longer angry Because you know I love you only. And I too well know Your furious bluster, “It’s all over between us two.” Yes, that’s it, and really final, “It’s really over between us.” But deep down, You dread losing me. Who wants flatly to admit it? And I can see through you, can’t I? 16 September 2003

Listen to the song 12. Xin Ho^`i A^m Ne^'u ai co' ve^` tha(m Tru+o+`ng cu~ Cho to^i gu+?i mo^.t go'c tro+`i xu+a No+i tha hu+o+ng: to^i va^~n nhi`n tro+? la.i Ma?nh ti`nh ho^`ng no+i vu+o+`n Du+o+.c xa xo^i... Ne^'u ai co' ve^` qua cho^'n a^'y, Nho+' ta.t qua dddu+o+`ng nga^.p bo'ng ca^y. Ti`nh to^i va^~n quye^.n cu`ng hoa phu+o+.ng, Ru+.c na('ng na(m xu+a, da'ng ai ga^`y. Ne^'u ai co' ve^` tha(m vu+o+`n xu+a, Mo^.t nu. Ngo.c Lan xin giu+~ la.i. A^'p u? hu+o+ng xu+a go+?i theo gio', Thi` tha^`m te^n go.i: va^~n nho+' Ngu+o+`i... 1 June 2001

12. Please Reply You who are going back to the old school Let me send with you memories of old. Though now far away I long to look back To old loves at distant Pharmacy school. If you happen to be nearby Drop in on the tree-shaded streets. My love’s till among the flame-trees With bright sun smiling on a lissome lass. If you return to the gardens of old, Do keep forever the jade orchid’s blossom, Let me send the old fragrance through the wind To whisper a name that lives at my heart’s bottom. 16 September 2003

13. Ta'i bu't Ta^m ti`nh dda~ mang gu+?i vu+o+`n tho+, Tin nha('n cu`ng ai va^~n mong cho+`. Tho+`i gian cu`ng kho^ng gian chia ca'ch, Ke^? chi ca'ch bie^.t ... va^~n u+o+'c mo+. Co' mo^.t vu+o+`n xu+a to^i va^~n thu+o+ng, Na('ng mu+a cho+` he.n ma^y bo^'n phu+o+ng. La~ng dda~ng mo^.t mo^'i ti`nh phie^u ba.t, Ca^y cao, bo'ng ma't... nga^.p va^'n vu+o+ng. Co' mo^.t ddu+o+`ng xu+a to^i va^~n mong, Cu`ng ai bu+o+'c da.o, ma' cho+.t ho^`ng. Mang ho^`n u? ky~ trong na('ng gio', Gu+?i dde^'n be^n ai ... mo^.t ta^'m lo`ng. Nay co' mi`nh to^i, chi? mi`nh to^i, Vu+o+`n xu+a co`n ddo' ... nho+' tie^'ng cu+o+`i. Bao mu`a hoa no+?... tra`n nhung nho+', Kha('c khoa?i, ngo'ng tro^ng... mo^.t bo'ng ngu+o+`i. 23 June 2001

13. Coda My heart is with the poetry garden. Here is a word to a waiting someone. Though time and space may keep us two apart. From far away my heart for him still longs. There’s an old garden I still love Through sun and rain and endless wait. Though love has escaped from my grasp The shady trees keep my feelings alive. There’s an old path that I still prize Where we had strolled and my cheeks blushed. My soul still dwells ‘midst winds and sun. Let me send it to one on whom I had a crush. Now I am alone, and all by myself. Though old gardens remain, I miss the laughs. For untold blooming seasons I still yearn, Pining, anxious, waiting for just the one. 16 September 2003

Section 3.

To Sections

1

2

4

5

6

7

top

end

14. Hu+o+ng Vu+o+`n Xu+a La~ng dda~ng bo^'n phu+o+ng ma^y la(.ng ca^m, Vu+o+`n thanh na`o ga(.p ba.n ddo^`ng ta^m? Ðu+o+`ng xu+a, mu+a va^~n ro+i tre^n la', Chie^`u va`ng hiu qua.nh, bu+o+'c a^m tha^`m... Ti`nh ngu+o+`i trong gio' cho+.t thoa?ng hu+o+ng, Na`o bie^'t ho^`n ai cho+.t mo+? ddu+o+`ng? Ca?m nha^.n lo+`i nhau trong co+n gio', Ai kia dda^u bie^'t dde^'n nguo^`n hu+o+ng... Mo+? ro^.ng vo`ng tay ddo'n huye^~n mo+, Nha^.n ro^`i ho`a la^~n mo^.ng va` tho+. Hu+o+ng Lan mo^.t thoa?ng quye^.n trong gio', Vo^ ti`nh dda'nh thu+'c ke? ye^u tho+... 10 July 2001

14. The Fragrance from the Old Garden Floating away is the silver cloud, quietly In the green garden, has true friendship ever been found? In the old pathway, rain's still falling on the leaves Walking alone, so lonely I am...in the lovely sunset... Far away, friendship appears to carry fragrance. Vaguely someone's just opened a love gate Receiving words through the wind from Fantasyland. Is someone aware of the source of the fragrance? Willing to open arms to welcome dreams Blending dreams into beautiful poetry streams The fragrance of Ngoc Lan from the old wind-blown garden. Did someone unintentionally wake up the poet's dreams? Song Viet-Dam Giang 10 July 2001

15. Ti`nh phai Tua^`n na`o em cu~ng ta(.ng anh tho+, Tha'ng na`o em cu~ng ta(.ng anh tho+. Tho+ ddi ma` kho^ng tho+ tro+? la.i, Chi? co' ddo^i ha`ng tha^.t tho+` o+... Anh no'i anh va^~n ba^.n nga`y dde^m, Ngu+o+`i ta go.i to+'i la.i ba^.n the^m. Kho^ng co`n thi` gio+` cho em nu+~a, "Tho^i cho anh kha^'t ddi nhe' em..." Nho+' thuo+? xa xu+a em va` anh, Nga`y na`o cu~ng co' ca'nh thu+ xanh. Tho+ ho^`ng tua^`n na`o anh cu~ng ta(.ng, Ti`nh no^`ng ru+o+.u ngo.t mo^.ng thie^n thanh... Nay ti`nh ddi va('ng sao buo^`n qua' Thu+ em bie^'ng vie^'t, tho+ bie^'ng la`m... Em dda^u na`o co' no+~ tra'ch anh Ða`nh mu+o+.n ddo^i ha`ng no'i vo+'i tranh Tranh o+i... tho+ ti`nh ai gu+?i na(m xu+a No^`ng na`n tha thie^'t ha~y co`n va(?ng dda^y Nhu+ng nay ti`nh dda~ nha.t ma`u Ða^u co`n chi nu+~a ngoa`i ma`u...thu+ xanh... 22 July 2001

15. Faded Love I wrote you poems every week; I wrote you poems every month. I sent them on but got back none, None but a few cold lines from you… You said you’re busy day and night And busier still when people called, You had little time for poor me. “Can I take a rain check, my dear?” I recall years ‘go you and I Exchanged love letters every day. Each week you wrote a love poem Seething love, sweet wine, divine dreams. What a sad world now that love’s gone! I write letters, poems no more. Not willing to blame you, my dear, I write these lines to my painting, O painting, where are the love notes of yore Where that ardent passion still lingers on? Now there’s only faded feelings, Nothing left but the pale colors of love. 15 September 2003

16. Gio' phu+o+ng na`o Nhu+ mo^.t nga`y, na`o ai mong cho+`, Ngu+o+`i cho+.t dde^'n dde^'n tha^.t ti`nh co+`. Nhu+ mu`a Xua^n lo`ng ta cho+.t tha^'y vui, Xao xuye^'n tim dda^.p ma.nh tu+. bao gio+` ? Nhu+ mo^.t nga`y, tro+`i xanh thie^.t xanh, Na('ng lao xao ,gio' quye^.n hu+o+ng Lan. O^ kia` kho^ng gian cho+.t thu+'c da^.y, Lung linh huye^`n a?o tu+.a nhu+ mo+... Tha^~n tho+` ta gu+?i ho^`n theo gio', Mang ta^m ti`nh go'i tro.n ba?n ti`nh ca. Cho+.t tha^'y dda^u con tim ddang so^'ng la.i, Thuo+? ho.c ha`nh tru+o+`ng cu~ nga't hu+o+ng hoa. Ba^`u tro+`i na`y, hay go'c tro+`i na(m a^'y, Sao dde^m nay, hay sao cu~ nga`n na(m. Vu~ tru. vo^ bie^n ddo+`i ngu+o+`i mo^.t kie^'p, Ti`nh kho^ng ngo?, sao ta cu+' va^'n vu+o+ng? 18 July 2001

16. Whence Came the Wind One day out of nowhere without warning Came a man unexpected so sudden Who filled my soul with all the joy of spring, And set my heart so wildly fluttering. That one day the sky was such a deep blue The sun was shining and the fragrant wind, Brought about a whole awakened wide world, Bright, mysterious like a dream come true. In a daze I sent my soul to the winds And wrap my feelings in a song of love. My heart suddenly sprang back to full life Reliving the old college days’ sweet smell. Am I in this world or the one that year Looking at tonight’s stars or those of yore Amidst the immense world with just my life? Though no love was said, why do I feel deep longing? 15 September 2003

17. Mo^.t na('ng Tha'ng ta'm he`: hoa sa('c muo^n ma^`u, Na('ng hoa`ng ho^n nhe. ra('c tre^n ca^`u. A'ng ma^y xanh xin ddu+`ng bay vo^.i, Lu+u da'ng ngu+o+`i nhu+ buo^?i ban dda^`u... Tu+` thuo+? na`o, ti`nh ba.n tuye^.t vo+`i, Ga(.p nhau cha(?ng ca^`n tho^'t nhie^`u lo+`i. U hoa`i que^ cu~: chung nie^`m ca?m, Ye^u thu+o+ng dda^'t me., nho+' tro.n ddo+`i... Ðo^`ng nguye^.n mo^.t lo`ng: nu'i cu`ng so^ng, Nhu+~ng lo+`i tha^n thie^'t ngo? tu+` Ðo^ng. Gu+?i dde^'n giang so+n nie^`m tin mo+'i, Nha.c dda^u cho+.t va(?ng, na('ng cho+.t ho^`ng... 31 August 2001

17. One Sunny Day With August variegated blooms And waning sun soft on the bridge, Let clouds stop, and fly not away Let me relive my first-found love. From distant past sprang our wondrous friendship. Few words we said for they were unneeded. We shared the feelings for our native land, Forever, the motherland we loved. We took the pledge to mountains and rivers, Here they are, the heart-felt words from back East To the old land we give our renewed faith, With music’s echoes and a reddened sun. 3 August 2003

18. Chao dda?o... Tho+ em la`m nhe. nha`ng than va~n, Tho+ em la`m vo`i vi~nh tho+? than, Tho+ em la`m su+~ng so+` ngu+o+`i ddo.c Tho+ em la`m chao dda?o ta^m can... Chao dda?o lo`ng anh... nho+' nga`y na`o Mo+'i bie^'t nhau, huye^`n die^.u bie^'t bao Nhong nhe~o vo`i vi~nh anh cha(?ng nga.i Ti`nh ye^u tre^n ddi?nh ngo.n nu'i cao... Ye^u em qua tha'ng ro^.ng na(m tru+o+`ng Quy' em nhu+ ha.t ngo.c vo^ lu+o+`ng Me^'n em lo`ng ro^.ng lu+o+.ng hie^`n ho`a Thu+o+ng em ca? ca'i ti'nh u+a...bu+o+'ng... Tro+`i, em to^i bao gio+` mo+'i nho+'n ? 24 August 2001

18. In Turmoil… Your verse was as soft as a plaint In verse you cajoled with sighs Your verse stunned the reader Your verse set hearts in turmoil. It set my soul on fire … I remember On our first and marvelous date You wheedled me, and I consented For a love as lofty as the mountain top. I've loved you for many long years Cherished you as a priceless gem And was so tenderly kind-hearted And humored even your tantrums. Gosh, when will you ever grow up? 3 August 2003

19. Anh dda^u bie^'t Anh dda^u bie^'t em co' nhu+~ng gia^'c mo+, Mo+ mo^.t nga`y anh da('t em tro+? ve^`, Tha(m ngo^i nha` ma'i ddo? ven so^ng. Gio`ng so^ng ddo' anh so^ng tro.n tuo^?i tho+, Ngo^i nha` ddo' anh de^.t mo^.ng anh hu`ng... Mo+ mo^.t nga`y Anh da('t em ddi tha(m pho^' cu~, Le^ go't cha^n kha('p tha`nh thi. Ba('c Trung Nam. La('ng tai nghe ca^u ha't tie^'ng cu+o+`i, Ba mu+o+i sa'u pho^' phu+o+`ng, Ha` No^.i nho+'. La('ng tai nghe tra^`m bo^?ng ngo.t nga`o, Ca^u ho` Hue^' dda^.m a^n ti`nh co^? ki'nh. La('ng tai nghe gio.ng ca huye^`n hoa(.c, Ca^u vo.ng co^? tru+~ ti`nh tha thie^'t. Anh da^.y em quen thuo^.c vo+'i ba mie^`n, Ba gio.ng no'i, tro+`i, sao anh hay qua', Ca`ng nghe anh, em ca`ng nho+' que^ hu+o+ng... Em mong la('m, mo^.t nga`y na`o ddo' Anh da('t em tro+? ve^` Tha(m ngo^i nha` ma'i ddo? ven so^ng... Tha(m gio`ng so^ng u+o+'p hoa`i ba~o mo^.t ddo+`i. Anh dda^u bie^'t... 19 August 2001

19. If You Only Knew You never knew I nurtured dreams That one day you would take me back To see the red-roofed house by the river Where you spent your entire youth, Where you built your heroic dreams. I dreamed of the day You would take me to the old towns Setting our feet from north to south, Listening to songs and laughters ringing In the thirty-six guild districts of Hanoi Listening to the sweet melodies, Of the age-old Hue sentimental love chants (1), Listening to the mythical voices Of the vong co lyrical odes to love. (2) You taught me to know all three regions With your oh so perfect accent of each. The more I listen, the more I miss the homeland. I long very much that one day You would take me back To see the red-roofed house by the river… The river that held your life’s dreams. If only you knew. 3 August 2003 (1) Hò Hue^' is a rhyming chant of a lyrical and sentimental nature popular in the Hue region of Central Viet Nam, intoned by boat dwellers, performers, or travelers, generally without instrumental accompaniment. (2) Vo.ng Co^? is a form of folk ballad of a lyrical and sentimental nature, very popular in Viet Nam’s South, sung by peasants and professional performers alike with or without the accompaniment of from a single to three string instruments.

20. Gio' no^`ng Gio' he` nhe. tho^?i, bu+o+'c thong dong... An ti~nh, nhu+ng nghe so'ng trong lo`ng. Da tro+`i xanh nga('t ngoa`i nghi`n da(.m, Tha^`m nhu?...ra(`ng ai nho+' ta kho^ng... Ta bie^'t ra(`ng ai cu~ng nho+' mong... Nho+' mong, ai dde^? o+? trong lo`ng. Da^~u cho xa ca'ch ho+n bie^n a?i, So^ng nu'i cha^.p chu`ng ta ngo'ng tro^ng... La~ng ba~ng tro^i ddi buo^?i chie^`u ho^`ng, E^m a?, con thuye^`n lu+o+.n gio`ng so^ng. Go't sen, anh tu+o+?ng chu+`ng trong gio', Em dde^'n be^n anh, chuye^.n ma(.n no^`ng... 12 August 2001

20. Hot Wind In the light summer breeze I idly stroll Quiet, feeling the storm brewing inside. The blue sky stretches to infinity, I wonder quietly who misses me. Somehow I just know someone misses me, But keeps that feeling buried deep inside. Though distance keeps us two frontiers apart Across the land do I still keep waiting. The twilight spreading in the red sunset Gently engulfs the boat on the river. In airy steps, I come to you windswept To be with you and loved by you, lover. 10 August 2003

Section 4.

To Sections

1

2

3

5

6

7

top

end

21. Ngo.c Lan... Hu+o+ng cho+.t thoa?ng dda^u dda^y... Go+.i nho+'... ... ye^u nhau Mo+ cu`ng mo^.t gia^'c mo^.ng Nho+' dde^'n nhau... Kho'e ma('t, nu. cu+o+`i.. Mo^'i duye^n tao ngo^. Kho^ng ti'nh ba(`ng tha'ng Cha(?ng ti'nh ba(`ng na(m.. Gia^y phu't be^n nhau... Cu~ng ddu? nho+' hoa`i.. Ðo+`i chi? la` a?o a?nh... Ta mo^.t ngu+o+`i kha'ch la. Ghe' tha(m ddi.a ca^`u... Thoa'ng trong khoa?ng kha('c Ye^u nhau... Nhi`n ly ca` phe^ no'ng... Gia' co' ai be^n ca.nh... 20 August 2001

21. The White Jade Orchid Flower (Michelia alba *) The pervasive fragrance around Evokes in me a tender love… Dreaming the same dream And missing each other, The eyes, the smile Destined to meet Not just for months Nor just for years. Just brief moments together And memories last forever. Life is mere illusion I came a stranger from afar For a brief stint on earth. In just that one instant We fell in love. Now by the hot cup of coffee, If only someone is near me. 16 September 2003 (*) The Michelia alba, a fast-growing shade tree popular in China, India, and in Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines, Viet Nam, Thailand and Laos. It is a member of the magnolia family with leaves similar to avocado, and having small, white, very fragrant flowers that bloom during warm weather.

22. Xin ddu+`ng... DDu+`ng gia?i thi'ch nhu+~ng chie^`u va`ng lao xao DDu+a em va`o ti`nh ca?m nhie^`u chao ddao DDu+a em va`o bie^?n nho+’, thu+o+ng xa va('ng Bo+?i vi` em cha(?ng hie^?u ddu+o+.c ta.i sao... DDu+`ng cho em lo+`i e^m di.u ngo.t nga`o DDu+a em va`o con ddu+o+`ng ti`nh ky` a?o Da('t em va`o huye^~n mo^.ng giu+~a ban nga`y Bo+?i chi'nh em kho^ng hie^?u ddu+o+.c vi` sao... DDu+`ng ddu+a em va`o gia^'c ngu? tuye^.t vo+`i Co' ti`nh ye^u, co' ma^.t ngo.t, suo^'i mo+`i Co' tra(ng sao, nha.c di`u da(.t e^m dde^`m DDe^? bu+`ng ti?nh tha^'y mi`nh ddang cho+i vo+i... DDu+`ng gu+?i em ngo^i sao sa'ng tro+`i thu La^’p la’nh lo^.ng la^~y, kie^u sa quye^’n ru~ Vi` dda~ bao la^`n nhi`n ba^`u tro+`i xanh tha(?m Em tu+. ho?i sao mi`nh ddo+n co^i trong vu~ tru.? Co' bao gio+` anh hie^?u... 27 October2001

22. Please Don’t Don’t explain to me the evenings of turmoil That send my emotions to pained anguish’s heights, And fill me with longing and heartache from absence, Because I do not understand the reason why. Don’t give me your sweet mellow words of love That send me flying into passion’s magic world, The world of reverie in the midst of the day, Because I do not understand the reason why. Don’t lead me into the wondrous world of slumber Where reign love, an inviting spring and sweet honey, With the moon, the stars, and the soft sensuous music, To find myself on waking high with ecstasy. Don’t send me the shining stars of the autumn sky, Twinkling, glorious, luxurious, seductive, Because the times when I look at the deep blue sky I feel so lonely in this world, and wonder why. Did you ever understand? 16 September 2003

23. Ti`nh Anh da`nh cho Em Ti`nh Anh da`nh cho Em mo^.t ti`nh ye^u kho^ng ddie^`u kie^.n mo^.t ti`nh ye^u tha thie^'t... Anh dda~ ti`m ddu+o+.c no+i em Ti`nh ye^u, anh ti`m kie^'m mo^.t ddo+`i DDa~ tu+o+?ng cha(?ng co' nga`y na('m ddu+o+.c... Su+ tho^ng minh cua? em anh ca?m phu.c, Lo+`i no'i na`o cho ddu? nghi~a sa('c dde.p em. La`m sao anh que^n ddu+o+.c. Ra(`ng anh ye^u em ngay la^`n dda^`u tie^n, Nghe gio.ng em ddo.c tho+ ti`nh, Mo^.t gio.ng no'i nhe. nha`ng, E^m a^'m va` tra`n dda^`y ye^u thu+o+ng. Anh tu+. ho?i "ta.i sao anh ye^u em ?" Anh kho^ng the^? gia?i thi'ch ddu+o+.c Con ddu+o+`ng ddi.nh me^.nh DDa~ cho anh co+ ho^.i ddu+o+.c bie^'t em Mo+ ho^` anh nghi~ : chu'ng ta thuo^.c ve^` nhau... Em la` nie^`m u+o+'c vo.ng, khao kha't duy nha^'t Trong cuo^.c ddo+`i, trong tra'i tim va` trong ta^m ho^`n anh. Anh muo^'n trao ta^'t ca? cho em kho^ng ddie^`u kie^.n... Cho em Chi? mi`nh em 29 October 2001

23. My Love for You My love for you, An unconditional love A passionate love... I have found in you That for which I've searched a lifetime, Love, which I thought I could never hold... Your intellect amazes me. And what words can describe your beauty? How could I ever forget? I loved you the very first time I heard, While you were reading your love poem, Your soft voice, Full of tenderness and love. I pondered the question "why?" I could not explain the reason why I love you My destiny has given me a chance to cross yours. Vaguely I think: we belong to each other... You're the only desire in my life, in my heart, and in my soul I want to give them all to you freely. To you Only you... Song Viet-Dam Giang 29 October 2001

23. My Love for You How can I tell you dear, about my love That is consuming, unconditional And passionate beyond what I can say For you the one I met one fateful day? The one I searched and longed for all my life By Providence appeared gorgeous, divine. Our paths had crossed, my dear, our hearts entwined Those first moments until the end of time. I love you for your extraordinary brain Your intellect that shines among your peers And your beauty that is beyond compare, A precious mixture that I can't explain. I love your love poems that sear my heart, Ones that you read to me with your soft voice The tenderness your sweet feelings impart And share with me all your marvelous joys . I know not why we met the way we did, One thing for sure because it dawns on me, Somehow I know we're made for each other, And hence that we belong to each other. Sweetheart, I give you all my heart and soul Freely, wholly without reservation My life and everything that I can hold To you without a qualm or condition. To you And only you. 5 October 2003

24. Ti`nh Em da`nh cho Anh Ti`nh Em da`nh cho Anh Mo^.t ti`nh ye^u kho^ng ddie^`u kie^.n Mo^.t ti`nh ye^u tha thie^'t Em dda~ ti`m ddu+o+.c no+i anh Mo^.t ddo+`i em ti`m kie^'m Ma` em dda~ cha(?ng mong co' nga`y na('m ddu+o+.c... Su+. tho^ng minh cu?a anh em ca?m phu.c. Ca' ti'nh anh em ngu+o+~ng mo^. La`m sao em que^n ddu+o+.c Em ye^u anh ngay la^`n dda^`u tie^n Nghe gio.ng no'i anh dda^`y tin tu+o+?ng Qua mo^.t buo^?i thuye^'t tri`nh Em tu+. ho?i "ta.i sao em ye^u anh ?" nhu+ng kho^ng gia?i thi'ch ddu+o+.c Con ddu+o+`ng ddi.nh me^.nh dda~ cho em co+ ho^.i ddu+o+.c bie^'t anh Em mo+ ho^` nghi~: chu'ng ta thuo^.c ve^` nhau Anh la` nie^`m em mo+ u+o+'c khao kha't duy nha^'t Cho cuo^.c ddo+`i, cho tra'i tim va` cho ta^m ho^`n em. Em muo^'n trao ta^'t ca? cho anh kho^ng ddie^`u kie^.n Cho anh Chi? mi`nh anh 11 November 2001

24. My Love for You My love for you, An unconditional love A passionate love... I have found in you That for which I've searched a lifetime, Love, which I thought I could never hold... Your intellect amazes me. Your personality is adorable. How could I ever forget? I loved you the very first time I heard Your strong confident voice While you were giving a speech. I pondered the question "why?" I cannot explain the reason why I love you Our destinies were joined by chance. Vaguely I think we belong to each other... You're the only desire In my life, in my heart, and in my soul. I want to give them all to you freely. To you Only you... Song Viet-Dam Giang 11 November 2001

24. My Love for You How can I tell you dear, about my love That is consuming, unconditional And passionate beyond what I can say For you the one I met one fateful day? The one I searched and longed for all my life By Providence appeared smart and brilliant. Our paths had crossed, my dear, our hearts entwined Those first moments until the end of time. I love you for your extraordinary brain Your intellect that shines among your peers And your speeches that are beyond compare, A combination that I can't explain. I love your personality, sweetheart, And all that goes with your virility, The tenderness your deep feelings impart And the wondrous joys for eternity. I know not why we met the way we did, One thing for sure because it dawns on me, Somehow I know we're made for each other, And hence that we belong to each other. Darling, I give you all my heart and soul Freely, wholly without reservation My life and everything that I can hold To you without a qualm or condition. To you And only you... 5 October 2003

25. Anh ha^`u qua.t dda^y DDi ngang qua co^ng vie^n, Mo^.t buo^?i chie^`u mu`a Thu Mo^.t ba^`u tro+`i trong va('t Gio' tho^?i la' lao xao La' ddang ddua` riu' ri't Mo+`i go.i kha'ch ye^u thu Ha~y du+`ng cha^n ddo^i phu't Cu+o+`i co+.t cu`ng la' va`ng Ca^y ginkgo va`ng ru+.c La' hi`nh qua.t de^~ thu+o+ng Ba('t lo`ng ngu+o+`i dda ca?m Mo+? lo+`i ho?i la' dda^y... Thuo+? na`o anh thi` tha^`m: Em o+i ha~y ngu? ngon Co' anh dda^y ha^`u qua.t Co' anh ha't ru em Ba(`ng nhu+~ng ca^u ye^u thu+o+ng Ba(`ng ca dao ba mie^`n Ngu? ddi em, ngu? ddi Co' anh ha^`u qua.t dda^y Ginkgo bao nhie^u la' Anh ha^`u qua.t em ba^'y nhie^u nga`y Ba tra(m sa'u la(m nga`y la` ma^'y Anh co' ca? ddo+`i cho em... Ngu? ddi, ngu? ddi em... Ngu? ddi, ngu? ddi em... 12 October 2001

25. My Fan at Your Service Clear through a public park In a fall afternoon With the crystal-clear sky, The wind rustled the foliage While the leaves fluttered merrily, Inviting autumn fanciers To linger for a few minutes, And share a laugh with yellow leaves. The blazing colors of ginkgo Dainty with fan-shaped leaves Charmed the sensitive person’s heart Into opening up a dialog. There were those days when I whispered, My darling, have a peaceful sleep For my fan is at your service. I will sing you a soothing song A song brimming with love And folk sayings from three regions. Sleep well, my dear, sleep well. My fan‘s at your service. As many leaves as ginkgo has That many days I will be by you with my fan. What is sixty-five and three hundred days To my entire life that I’ve given you? Sleep well, honey. Sleep well, my dear. 17 September 2003

26. Ðo+`i Ngu+o+`i Nhu+ Thoa'ng Ma^y (Lo+`i cho ba?n nha.c da`n xe^'p bo+?i Nha.c Si~ Le^ Va(n Tha`nh) Mo^.t chie^`u qua co^ng-vie^n, La' thu va`ng lao xao. Theo gio' ve^` ri'u ri't, Mo+`i go.i ngu+o+`i ye^u thu, Ha~y du+`ng cha^n gia^y la't, Nga('m tro+`i thu trong va('t, DDu`a vui cu`ng la' va`ng nhe. ro+i . Ginkgo, ca^y va`ng ru+.c, Nhu+ ma`u a'o em tha-thu+o+'t, Ginkgo, la' hi`nh qua.t, Nhu+ ho^`n anh quay-qua('t, Xoay-xoay trong chie^`u thu la' bay. Ginkgo bao nhie^u la', Anh muo^'n ha^`u qua.t ba^'y nhie^u nga`y. Ba tra(m sa'u la(m nga`y la` ma^'y, DDo+`i ngu+o+`i nhu+ thoa'ng ma^y. Ngu? ddi, ngu? ddi em... Ru em ba(`ng nhu+~ng ca^u ye^u thu+o+ng, Ru em ba(`ng ca dao ba mie^`n, Ngu? ddi, ngu? ddi em. Ngu? ddi, ngu? ddi em. Ru em ba(`ng nhu+~ng ca^u ye^u thu+o+ng Ru em ba(`ng ca dao ba mie^`n Ngu? ddi, co' anh ha^`u qua.t Ngu? ddi, co' anh ru em tro.n ddo+`i Ngu? ddi...ngu? ddi em... Ngu? ddi...ngu? ddi em... 12 November 2001

26. Life Is Like a Drifting Cloud (Lyrics revised for music arranged by Musician Lê Van Thành) That afternoon I crossed the public park While autumn leaves rustled, And the fall fluttering breeze returned Inviting autumn fanciers To linger for a few minutes, And look at the clear blue sky Then share the joy with gently falling yellow leaves. Ginkgo’s blazing yellow leaves are The color of your flowing dress, Like Ginkgo’s fan-shaped leaves. My soul was spinning Whirling to the flight of fall leaves. As many leaves as ginkgo has That many days I will be by you with my fan. What is sixty-five and three hundred days? Life is like floating clouds, Sleep well, baby, sleep well. Let me lull you to sleep with words of love, With folksongs from the country’s three regions. Sleep well, darling, sleep well. Sleep well, darling, sleep well. Let me lull you to sleep with words of love, With folksongs from the country’s three regions. I’m by your side with my fan. Sleep well, honey, I’ll soothe you all my life. Go to sleep, darling, go to sleep. Go to sleep, sweetheart, go to sleep. 17 September 2003

27. Anh pha?i no'i Em o+i, Anh kho^ng tham lam va` cu~ng kho^ng muo^'n ba' chu? Chi? muo^'n gia?n di. tho^i hai chu+~ "trao ti`nh" Em o+i ti`nh anh ye^u em no^`ng na`n say dda('m Kho^ng nga`y na`o ma` anh kho^ng nho+' to+'i em No+i mie^`n Nam a^'m a'p xa vo+`i (*) Em ddang la`m chi co' nho+' to+'i ti`nh anh? Em o+i, ye^u em anh cha(?ng ke^? tha^n mi`nh. Co' xa' chi mo^.t hi`nh ha`i no+i gia' la.nh Nghi~ to+'i em cu`ng buo^?i ga(.p go+~ ddi.nh me^.nh, Nho+' to+`i em cu+' nho+' ma~i kho^ng nguo^i Ca^`m kho^ng dda(.ng ne^n anh dda`nh pha?i no'i Va` mong ddu+o+.c em nha^.n bie^'t mo^'i ti`nh si... 23 November 2001 (*) Mie^`n Nam nu+o+'c Vie^.t-Nam

27. I Must Tell You Sweetheart, I’m not greedy, or megalomaniac. I merely want to send you my message of love. My love for you, dear, is ardent and passionate. Not a day passes by, I don’t think about you. In the warm distant Southern clime (*) What are you doing, do you remember my love? Darling, I love you selflessly. Unconcerned about the biting cold up here, I think of you; since that fateful meeting I yearn for you, disconsolate. Unable to hold back, I must tell you, And beg you to take this my lovesick heart. 17 September 2003 (* Southern region of Viet Nam)

28. Xua^n Trong Mu`a DDo^ng (Tho+ cho Vo.ng Co^?) Cha`ng o+i, tro+`i ho^m nay sao thie^.t la.nh le~o, Nhu+ng sao em kho^ng ca?m tha^'y lo`ng ddo^ng gia', Co' pha?i cha(ng vi` ho^`n em ddang ddu+o+.c su+o+?i a^'m bo+?i ti`nh cha`ng? Tu+` thuo+? na`o na(m a^'y em dda~ bie^'t cha`ng, Em va^~n thu+o+`ng nghi~ dde^'n cha`ng luo^n. Xua^n ddi, He` dde^'n, Thu ve^`, DDo^ng to+'i, Lo`ng em va^~n chan chu+'a mo^'i ti`nh vu+o+ng. Cha`ng mang dde^'n cho em ca?m hu+'ng tho+ va(n, Cha`ng mang dde^'n ti`nh ye^u cu`ng nguo^`n sinh khi'. Mo^.t ti`nh ye^u nhe. nha`ng kho^ng ddi e^`u kie^.n, Chi? mo^.t kho^ng gian vu~ tru. chu+'ng kie^'n mo^'i ti`nh ta. Cha`ng o+i, cha`ng co' bie^'t no+i phu+o+ng xa nga`n da^.m, Em nho+' cha`ng hoa`i nho+' ma~i kho^ng nguo^i . Nga`y cuo^'i na(m 31 December 2001

28. Spring in the Midst of Winter (Poetry for a Vo.ng Co^? Song) My love, though it is freezing today I don't feel cold inside at all. Is it because my heart is kept warm by your love? I have known you for so many years And have always thought about you. With spring gone summer arrives, then fall follows and winter comes. My heart is brimming with love. You bring me the poetic inspiration for my verse, And bring me the love and the breath of life that animates it, A love that is delicate and unconstrained. Only the universe in space bears witness to our love. My darling, do you know that thousands of miles away I miss you every moment, incessantly. The last day of the year 18 September 2003

29. Tre^n tro+`i... Tre^n tro+`i co' mo^.t na`ng Ma^y, Ma^y gia(ng vu~ tru., phu? dda^`y kho^ng gian. Ma^y dda^'t Ba('c, ma^y tro+`i Nam, Ma^y xuo^i ra bie^?n : tra('ng lam ti'm va`ng. Chi'n ta^`ng mo+? cu+?a thie^n dda`ng, Ma^y tha^'p da('t lo^'i va`o la`ng thie^n thai... Ma^y cha(?ng go+?i nho+' mo^.t ai, Ma^y bay phie^u ba.t so+'m mai vo^ ti`nh. Ma^y ye^u mo+ mo^.ng mo^.t mi`nh, Ra('c ha.t tho+ ca?m nha.c ti`nh muo^n phu+o+ng. Ti`nh ye^u tha^n thie^'t que^ hu+o+ng, Ti`nh ye^u nha^n loa.i ddo^`ng hu+o+ng xa ga^`n... Ma(.c cho the^' gio+'i xoay va^`n, Mo^.t mi`nh ma^y va^~n gieo ma^`m ye^u thu+o+ng. Ma^y nhu+ gio' nu'i so^ng tru+o+`ng, Thu+o+'c na`o da`i ddu? ddo lu+o+`ng ti`nh ma^y? Tre^n tro+`i co' mo^.t na`ng Ma^y... 14 February 2002

29. In the Sky In the sky there reigns a Cloud Queen Who covers all space and the universe, Through the north and through the south too, Over the ocean, white, purple, yellow and blue. In the yonder clouds open the gate to paradise And invite all to Elysium to rise, Leaving messages of yearning behind The clouds flee by gentle and kind. Dreaming a lonely dream of love Casting the seeds of love abroad, Here to the deep love of country And there the love of all humanity. Let the world keep going around. The clouds go on sowing the seeds of love, And like the lofty peaks and rivers long No measure can fathom their depths of love. In the sky there reigns a Cloud Queen. 1 July 2003

30. Em Ðe.p Nhu+ Tho+ Em dde.p nhu+ mo^.t ba`i tho+ Ho^`n nhie^n nhu+ the^? gia^'c mo+ kho^n cu`ng Ma('t nhung ra?i lo^'i co~i lo`ng To'c huye^`n qua^'n qui't mo^.t vu`ng kho^ng gian Nu. cu+o+`i tu+o+i sa'ng vo^ va`n Mang to^i va`o co~i mo^.ng va`ng chao ddao Nga('m em lo`ng da. xo^n xao DDo^i mo^i tu+o+i tha('m mo+`i cha`o nu. ho^n U+o+'c gi` to^i tro^.m em luo^n Be^n em to^i hie^'n ta^m ho^`n nga^'t nga^y To^i cho em mo^'i ti`nh say Cu`ng em: mo+ de^.t chuo^~i nga`y ye^u thu+o+ng... 14 May 2002

30. Sweetheart, You Are a Lovely Poem Sweetheart, you are a lovely poem With comely grace as in an endless dream, And velvet eyes that do my heart entwine, With jet-black hair that flies in yond air stream. I love your smile for its so splendid bright That casts me in a spell and sweet, sweet dream. Your lovely figure stirs my heart outright, Invites my kisses on your lips that gleam. Would that I could snatch you off, my dear! So I could give my passion heart to you, And love you in eternal bliss so sheer, In drunken love now and forever too. 20 February 2003

Section 5.

To Sections

1

2

3

4

6

7

top

end

31. Bie^?n Xu+a Bie^?n Ba~i tru+o+'c, Vu~ng Ta`u mu`a he` na(m ddo', To^i ga(.p anh trong lu+'a tuo^?i mu+o+`i la(m. Tuo^?i ho^`n nhie^n, to^i na`o bie^'t ye^u ddu+o+ng, Chi? ma?i mie^'t vui ddu`a cu`ng so'ng bie^?n... Cu`ng chi. em, be` ba.n gio+~n, no^ cu+o+`i. Anh ddu+'ng ddo' xa xa va` ddu+'ng ddo', DDa~ bao la^`n ti`m ca'ch dde^n la`m quen. Quen sao ddu+o+.c khi to^i :con chim ye^'n, DDu+o+.c nuo^ng chie^`u trong mo^.t chie^'c lo^`ng son. Va` ddo^i ma('t anh cu+' theo to^i nga`y ddo', Va` trong suo^'t nhu+~ng nga`y da`i...tre^n ba~i bie^?n He` na(m sau , Vu~ng Ta^`u to^i tro+? la.i... Ky` la. thay to^i la.i cho+.t tha^'y anh Ngu+o+`i trai tre? vo+'i khuo^n ma(.t chu+~ ddie^`n DDo^i ma('t ddo' nhu+ mang na(.ng mo^.t ta^m tu+... Ro^`i mo^.t nga`y to^i bie^'t te^n anh la` bie^?n, Va` chu'ng ta co' trao ddo^?i ddo^i lo+`i. Cu`ng ba.n be` tha^n quye^'n, Be^n ddo^'m lu+?a, gio' bie^?n, tra(ng sao... Ba na(m tro+`i tro^i qua, ti`nh co+` thay, Ga(.p la.i anh trong qua^n phu.c phi ha`nh. Oai phong la^~m lie^.t, ha`o hu`ng, To^i mu+`ng anh nay dda~ tha`nh nha^n. Va^~n a'nh ma('t, mo^.t a'nh ma('t kho' ta? Va^~n i't lo+`i nhu+ nga`y xu+a tre^n ba~i bie^?n... Ba.n be` no'i anh...thu+o+ng to^i tu+` nga`y ddo', Anh kho^ng da'm no'i, pha?i cha(ng vi` ...?? 2 July 2001

31. The Sea of Old The Front Beach at Vung Tau that summer, I met you at the age of fifteen. It was a time of innocence, with no thought of love. I enjoyed the sea waves all that time With other friends merrily laughing. You were standing at a distance, just standing, And many times made a move to meet me. But how could you? I was a swallow Pampered as if in a gilded cage. Your eyes were on me through that day, And through long days afterwards at the beach. The following summer I went back to Vung Tau. What strange coincidence I saw you there again, A young man with a square face And eyes that seemed weighed down by some burden. Then one day I learned your name was Sea, And we exchanged a few words Among friends and relatives By the campfire, in the sea breeze under the moon-lit stars. Three years had passed before unexpectedly I saw you again in a military pilot’s uniform. You looked so manly, so smart, so valiant. I rejoiced at seeing you had come of age With the same look, and the same indescribable eyes, And as sparing of words as on that day at the beach. Friends said you had fallen in love with me since that day, But did not say it out loud. Was it because…? 19 September 2003

32. Tu+` Thuo+? Ðo' Gu+?i ngu+o+`i So+n Ta^y N. Na`ng vo+'i to^i tu+` nga`y co`n nho? xi'u Tuo^?i mu+o+`i ba mu+o+`i bo^'n bie^'t gi` ye^u ? Nho+' la.i Ha`-No^.i, tru+o+`ng Chu Va(n An tha^n thie^'t To^i vo+'i na`ng , hai ddu+'a ho.c chung, DDa.p xe dda.p ca.nh nhau nga`y qua nga`y Khu'c khi'ch cu+o+`i ddu`a qua' vo^ tu+ ... DDa~ nhie^`u la^`n to^i mong ddu+o+`ng da`i the^m DDe^? ddu+o+.c la^u ke^` vai song lo^'i cu`ng na`ng Xa nhau to^'i ve^` va^~n cu+' nghi~ dde^'n na`ng Tha^'y thich thu' vui mu+`ng khi ga(.p go+~, Lo`ng nho+' nhung khi ta.m bie^.t ve^` nha`... Chi? co' va^.y. The^' ro^`i... Ho+n na(m chu.c na(m tru+o+`ng kho^ng ga(.p la.i Ti`nh co+` tu+` mo^.t ta^'m hi`nh na`ng xua^'t hie^.n Mo+? mie^.ng tho^'t: "Tro+`i! qua? tha^.t dda^y ngu+o+`i xu+a?" Co^ ba.n cu~ cu`ng dda.p xe nhu+~ng na(m tru+o+'c? Trong na('ng Xua^n ye^u kie^`u co`n la.nh gia' Trong mu+`a Thu mu+a phu`n dda^'t Ba('c, que^ nha` Ma` chu'ng ta va^~n go.i nhau ba(`ng te^n tro?ng Tu+` thu?a na`o : V., V. , va` N..., N... The^' ro^`i mo^.t buo^?i chie^`u Thu, Go.i ddie^.n thoa.i tha(m ba.n xu+a Sao tu+. nhie^n no'i vo+'i nhau trong ddie^.n thoai. Na`ng tho^'t: "Anh!" lo`ng to^i bo^~ng su+~ng so+` La(.ng kho^ng no'i, ti`nh xu+a nay so^'ng la.i, Ho^`n chao ddao, tim dda^.p ma.nh ro^.n ra`ng. No'i chi dda^y em ?, khi to^i cho+.t hie^?u Nhie^.m ma^`u thay hai chu+~: "ti`nh ye^u" Muo^.n ma`ng qua', ba^y gio+` to^i mo+'i ro~ Tie^`m thu+'c to^i ddang so^'ng la.i nga`y na`o... Pha?i, V. dda^u bie^'t To^i dda~ ye^u V... Tu+` thuo+? ddo'... Tu+` thuo+? ddo'...na(m xu+a... 4 November 2001

32. Since That Time To the man from Son Tay, N. You and I’ve known each other since we were little, At age thirteen, fourteen did we know much of love? Those days in Ha Noi, we went to Chu Van An High. You and I, we were classmates, remember? Bicycling to school side by side most every day, Laughing, joking and having a jolly good time. Many a time I wished the road had been longer So we could be at each other’s side much longer. Away from you my mind was full of you. I felt happy when we next met again, And felt sad when we had to go back home. And that was just about it. Until… Fifty years later, after an eternity I chanced upon your picture on the Internet. I exclaimed, “Could this be the same beauty of old?” The same friend who was riding the bike by my side, In the spring sunshine still chilly with winter cold Through fall drizzles in our native Northern country, When we were calling each other by our nicknames, You as V., V., and me as N…, N… Then one crisp autumn day I made a phone call to the dear old friend. Why did I have the urge to make the call? Your reply, ”Anh!” overwhelmed me with emotions. One moment of silence, and old feelings revived. I felt dizzy and my throbbing heart sank. What to say to you, when I suddenly realized The power of that magical word, Love? It’s just too late then that I saw clearly That I was now reliving those feelings I had for you. Yes, V., you never knew that I had loved you from those bygone days. Those bygone days, now far, far away. 17 September 2003

33. Em La` Ai? Mo^.t nga`y trong kho^ng gian Ca'ch xa ngoa`i the^' gio+'i DDo^i ta^m ho^`n bi`nh di. Lo+i` ta^m su+. nho? to Tie^'ng cu+o+`i vui ho^`n nhie^n Trong qua'n gio' ddo+n so+... Trong the^' gio+'i xa la. To^i cho+.t ga(.p ddu+o+.c em Mo^.t o^'c dda?o xanh tu+o+i Giu+~a bie^?n ca't qua.nh hiu Trong na('ng gio' kho^ khan Em cho to^i gio.t nu+o+'c Nhie^.m ma^`u cu?a cuo^.c ddo+`i Cu?a nho+' nhung quay qua('t Ma(.n no^`ng va` ngo.t nga`o ti`nh ye^u thu+o+ng... Cuo^.c ddo+`i to^i ddi qua Da^~u giu+~a lo`ng pho^' xa' Sao ho^`n va^~n qua.nh hiu Nhu+ ddo^.c ha`nh sa ma.c Da^'u cha^n tre^n ddo^`i ca't Tha'ng na(m da`i le? loi Em la` ai ho+~i em? 2 February 2002

33. Who Are You? One day out in space And out of this world Two simple souls existed To share their confidences And their joyful laughs In a wind-swept humble inn. In this strange world I chanced upon you, A green oasis Amidst a bleak sea of sand. In the drought and sun You gave me the spring The marvel of life The poignant longing The sweet, voluptuous love. My life still flows on Amidst the bustling town Yet utterly lonely Like a desert wayfarer Leaving footmarks in the sand Through solitary time. Who are you, my dear? 6 October 2003

34. Mang Ti`nh Tra? La.i Cho Ma^y DDa~ ba nga`y u a'm, Ma^y xa'm choa'ng dda^`y tro+`i, Mu+a sao cu+' mu+a hoa`i ? Mu+a la'c dda'c nhu+ mu+a Thu, Ra? ri'ch nhu+ mu+a nga^u, Do^`n da^.p nhu+ tha'c lu~, Vu~ ba~o nhu+ bie^?n DDo^ng... Mu+a cuo^'n sa.ch thu+ ti`nh, Mu+a ke'o tro^i ky? nie^.m, Mu+a ga'nh he^'t u+u phie^`n, Mang tra? la.i mo^.t ngu+o+`i, DDe^? ho^`n ta tro^'ng va('ng... Ly ca` phe^ co`n no'ng, Vu+`a ba('t chu't hu+o+ng no^`ng, Vu+`a go+.i cha^'t ngo.t nga`o, Sao ti`nh dda~ vo^.i phai ? Ta cha(?ng no+. gi` nhau, DDo+`i ngu+o+`i nhu+ co+n gio' . Qua qua'n tro. cha^n ddo^`i, Vu~ tru. va^~n tho+` o+... Ti`nh ta co`n hay kho^ng...? 14 May 2002

34. Let Me Return My Love to You, O Cloud! For the past three gloomy days The sky was overcast And drenched in a steady downpour. Like the sprinkling of fall drizzles, Ceaseless as the August showers Rushing like a rapid Stormy as the Eastern sea. The rain washed clean all love letters And washed away all memories And fain carried all my sorrows To give them back to just the one And leave my heart empty and lone. The coffee is still seething hot Barely giving its fragrance off And its lovely sweetness to last. Why did love fade away so fast? We owe each other nothing For life is but a breeze Blowing across the hillside inn In a cold and uncaring world. Does our love still live? 6 October 2003

35. Cu~ng chi? mo^.t ddo+`i Ba.n so+ ti`nh ke? dde^'n ngu+o+`i ddi, Ta^m ta da`nh cho ngu+o+`i tri ky?. Ta^m lo`ng tha`nh gu+?i dde^'n ngu+o+`i tha^n, Ba?n tha^n ta na`o co' xa chi. Hi? no^. kia la` chuye^.n thu+o+`ng ti`nh, Lo+`i ngu+o+`i, mo^.t, cha(?ng bo+?i ta.i mi`nh, Lo+`i ngu+o+`i, hai, lie^.u tra'ch tha^n ta ? Tri' cao ba`n chuye^.n ddo^?i thay ddo+`i, Ke? thu+o+`ng ti`nh, chuye^.n ke^? ho+.t ho+`i. Ngu+o+`i kho^ng nghi~ chi? u+a dda`m tie^'u. Ðo^`ng tie^`n ma^'t, ta cha(?ng ke^? gi`, Ma^'t ngu+o+`i ba.n lo`ng tha('m bu`i ngu`i, Ma^'t lo`ng tin, ddo+`i co`n co' chi ? Ba.n vo+'i ta the^m ngu+o+`i ba.n nu+~a, No^'i vo`ng tay ta mo+? the^m ddu+o+`ng. Cu`ng nhau chung su+'c go'p pha^`n, Mo^.t tu+o+ng lai sa'ng, ddo'n cho+` kho^ng xa. Qua' khu+' chi? co`n la` li.ch su+?, Tu+o+ng lai la` ky` a?o cuo^.c ddo+`i. Ta va`o ddo+`i, co' na`o cho.n lu+.a. So^'ng mo^.t ddo+`i, so^'ng cho tro.n ve.n. 30 June 2000

35. There Is Only One Life Once there were many coming and going. But yet my heart was set for just the one. I gave my dear one my committed life And this body to hold and end all strife. Joy and anger are but common feelings. With the first one, it was not my own fault. And the second one, why should he blame me? They had big ideas to change the world. For the common folks it was idle talk, Unthinking, they just chattered futilely. Loss of money was to me no big loss. But the loss of a friend caused deep sorrow. And with the trust gone, what’s left in the world? You and I and one more friend With extended arms linked we blaze the trail With the concerted effort we all meet A brighter future around the corner. The past is history. The future is life’s mystery. We entered the world without choice. Let us live life to its fullest. 26 July 2003

Listen to the song 36. Tu+` Nga`y Ye^u Em Tu+` nga`y quen em, to^i tha^'y to^i say na('ng va`ng Tu+`ng chie^`u tro^i qua, cha^'t dda^`y ma^y tro+`i thu+o+ng nho+' Tu+` nga`y thu+o+ng em, to^i so^'ng trong mo^.ng huy hoa`ng Tu+` nga`y ye^u em, cung dda`n nhu+ cho+.t vu't cao Mo^.t la^`n quen em, ddo^i ma('t nga^y tho+ nai va`ng Ho^`n cho+.t bay cao, va^~y vu`ng khung tro+`i quye^'n luye^'n Mo^.t la^`n thu+o+ng em, the^' gio+'i nhu+ dde.p muo^n ma^`u Mo^.t la^`n ye^u em, to^i nguye^.n suo^'t ddo+`i vo+'i em... O^i su+o+'ng thay... o^i vui na`o ba(`ng Em...Em cu~ng thu+o+ng...thu+o+ng...cha`ng ro^`i Ti`nh na`y la` ti`nh ta Em luo^n luo^n be^n to^i Trong ta^m ho^`n na`y...to^i muo^n kie^'p ye^u em... O^i tie^'ng ca...o^i cung dda`n ki`a, To^i...to^i dda~ say...say... na`ng ro^`i Ti`nh na`y la` ti`nh ta Anh luo^n luo^n be^n em Trong thie^n dda`ng na`y...ta muo^n kie^'p thu+o+ng nhau Tu+` nga`y quen em, to^i bie^'t to^i ye^u em ro^`i Chie^`u va`ng Thu qua, no^~i nie^`m ddie^n cuo^`ng quay qua('t Tu+` nga`y thu+o+ng em to^i so^'ng trong mo^.ng huy hoa`ng Tu+` nga`y ye^u em, cung dda`n nhu+ cho+.t vu't cao... 27 June 2002

36. Since the Day I Fell in Love with You From the day I knew you, darling, I became drunk with bright sunshine. Each night brings me worlds of longing. From the day I loved you, it seems My life has been a glorious dream While music rises to dizzying heights. The day I knew you, your doe’s eyes shone bright, My soul has soared, consumed by passion’s flame. From the day I loved you, the world took on colors bright, And my promise to be with you for life. , what happiness! O, what unspeakable joy! Sweetheart, you…you too have fallen in love with me. This love of ours that’s tried and true Binds you fast, by the side of you, To my soul, and to my heart till eternity. O, what a song! O, what sweet music! I…I am…drunk with you darling. This love that’s solely ours Keeps me forever by your side In this our earthly paradise. Let’s love each other to the end of time. From the day I knew you, I knew I had loved you. Each fall sunset inflames my obsessive passion. From the day I loved you, it seems My life has been a glorious dream While music rises to dizzying heights. 7 October 2003

37. Mo^.t Ðo'a Hoa Quy`nh Tro+`i va`o dde^m trong tra(ng mo+` huye^`n a?o, DDa^u ddo' mo+ ho^` thoa?ng tie^'ng nha.c thie^'t tha. Tao nha^n thanh tha?n, mo^.t chung tra` tho+m nga't, DDang cho+` mong mo^.t na`ng tie^n nu+~ gia'ng tra^`n... Ha~y thu+'c da^.y ho+~i thie^n nhie^n ddang ngu? Da^.y cu`ng ta thu+o+?ng la~m ddo'a hoa Quy`nh . DDa('m lo`ng ngu+o+`i, Quy`nh hoa pho^ muo^n sa('c, Hu+o+ng nga.t nga`o, co~i mo^.ng ru ho^`n ta. Nhu+ng ddo+`i hoa sao ba^'t co^ng nga('n ngu?i, Ai nga('m Quy`nh kho^ng tra^`m tro^` khen ngo+i. Ai nga('m Quy`nh kho^ng luo^'ng nhu+~ng nga^.m ngu`i, Khoe sa('c ddo', dde^m chu+a ta`n ma` dda~ vo^.i chia tay ... Quy`nh o+i, ma(.c lo+`i than ddo+`i Quy`nh nga('n ngu?i, Ta tu+. ho?i Quy`nh cha('c gi` dda` ho^'i tie^'c? Trong canh khua pha?i cha(ng na`ng dda~ tho?a , “Tha` mo^.t phu't huy hoa`ng ro^`i cho+.t ta('t” Pha?i cha(ng tro.n ve.n ho+n ta Quy`nh dda` so^'ng? 26 May 2002

37. The Quynh Flower (Epiphyllum oxypetalum *) The night is lighted by a dim mysterious moon. Here and there arise vague and languishing tunes. The connoisseur leisurely sips a fragrant cup of tea Waiting for the descent from heaven of a fairy. Wake up, O nature, rise from your slumber! Shake free from your sleep to enjoy the Epiphyllum, The flower that enchants your heart with her colors, And her fragrance carries your soul to a dreamland. Why is the flower’s life so unfairly short? Anyone looking at the Quynh flower has nothing but praise. Anyone admiring the Quynh flower must feel compassion. Her beauty barely shown when she wilts before the night is out. O Quynh Flower! Regardless of the laments over the short life, I wonder if Quynh herself regrets her fate. In the midst of night she blossoms to full splendor. “It’s best to live gloriously one instant, then leave quickly.” Perhaps more than me has Quynh lived a fuller life? 19 September 2003 (*) The Ephiphyllum oxypetalum, the Quynh flower of the poem, is a nocturnal flower, very white, very fragrant, and beautiful. The bud opens around 10 PM and dies around 4 to 8 AM the following morning.

38. Ba~i Bie^?n Ha^.n Ti`nh To^n (Huntington Beach) Trong no^~i nho+' nhu+~ng nga`y he` xa va('ng, La Jolla so'ng ma.nh va^~n lie^n ho^`i. San Diego tro+`i sao tho+? ho+i la.nh, Trong mi.t mu`ng, dda^u la.nh ba(`ng tim to^i. To^i va^~n ngo'ng nhu+~ng chie^`u ta` tre^n co^`n ca't, Laguna mi`nh da.o bu+o+'c song ddo^i. O^`n a`o, Manhattan nhu+ cho+. vo+~, Trong ru+`ng ngu+o+`i to^i ddang o+? be^n ai ? Redondo Beach cha.y bo^. trong su+o+ng mai, Ky? nie^.m cu~ va^~n ddo.ng dda^`y trong ky' u+'c... Chie^`u nay tre^n ba~i Ha^.n Ti`nh To^n, Chuye^.n ti`nh mang ke^? cho ngu+o+`i dda^u nghe ? Tho^i thi`...gio' o+i Gu+?i gio' ca^u chuye^.n ti`nh tho+, Nho+` ma^y giu+~ la.i giu`m to^i mo^.t nga`y. 12 August 2002

38. The Huntington Beach A longing filled my heart that summer day. La Jolla was hit by relentless waves While San Diego turned chilly that day. No gloomier cold than my heart that craved. I still long for those sunsets on the dunes When you and I strolled on Laguna Beach. Manhattan is bustling with commotion, Amidst the crowd for whom am I to reach? The morning runs along Redondo Beach Still fill me with so many memories. This evening on the Huntington Beach To whom do I recount my love stories? Well, then ! O wind ! I will send you my poetic lovely story, And let the clouds keep it for just one day. 20 September 2003

39. Bie^?n Hoang Bie^?n xanh trong na('ng tru+a gay ga('t, Kho^ng ga('t ba(`ng tie^'ng vo.ng vo^ phu+o+ng . Gio' tru+a he` xoay quanh qua^`n qua^.t, Kho^ng ma.nh ba(`ng qio' qua^'t va`o tim. Bie^?n im, la(.ng nga('t, nhu+ bie^?n che^'t, Kho^ng the^ lu+o+ng nhu+ bie^?n da.i trong tim. Bie^?n ri` ra`o lo+`i re^n ri?, hu+~ng ho+`, Kho^ng tha?o na~o nhu+ tie^'ng lo`ng vu+`a ta('t. Mo^.t bie^?n ngu+o+`i, ta ddi vo^ ddi.nh, Co' ai dda^u, mo^.t bie^?n hoang ta`n. Bie^?n a^m thanh, o^`n a`o, nga`n tie^'ng, Co' ai dda^u, mo^.t tie^'ng tho+? da`i... Tie^'c chi co^ng xa^y la^u dda`i tre^n ca't, Ro^`i na't lo`ng khi so'ng nu+o+'c pha' tan. Hoa ti'm bie^?n va^.t vo+` tre^n ma(.t nu+o+'c, Bu+'c cuo^.c ti`nh, gu+?i mo^.t ddo'a hoa tro^i... Ki`a... dda`n chim nho? bay dda^u nhi? DDe^? la.i mi`nh ta mo^.t go'c tro+`i... Ta va^~n ddi kho^ng ngu+`ng kho^ng nghi?, Vu~ tru. kho^ng gian la` ddo^`ng ha`nh va.n kie^'p. 12 August 2002

39. The Deserted Sea The blue sea bakes in the harsh midday sun, Which is yet less harsh than the echo from nowhere. The summer wind whirls round furiously, But less fiercely than one that whips my heart. The sea is still, flat as if it is dead, But less gloomy than the wild sea inside. The sea with its soft moanings and laments Is less mournful than the flame that just died. In the sea of people I wander aimlessly. But there is no one, only the desolate sea. And the sea roars with thousands of voices raised high But there is no one, only a long drawn-out sigh. Too bad it has been a castle built in the sand My heart is rent when the waves destroy it. With purple sea flowers tossed to and fro I send The broken heart and the floating flowers with it. Where is that flock of small birds flying to Leaving me with this corner of the sky? I keep walking without a pause or rest With the universe my eternal companion. 20 September 2003

40. Qua^'n Qui't Khi sa^'m cho+'p va^~n co`n ca^`n mu+a gio' Khi ddo+'n ddau va^~n ga`o tie^'ng nguye^.n ca^`u Khi lu+?a ho^`ng va^~n bu`ng le^n trong kho^ ra'o Khi con tim va^~n na'o nu+'c ye^u thu+o+ng Thi` em va^~n ca^`n ti`nh ye^u anh ma~i ma~i... 6 September 2002

40. Entwined So long as lightning needs wind and rain, So long as pain rises in words of prayer, So long as red fire erupts in drought, So long as my heart palpitates with love, I will need your love, sweetheart, forever. 21 September 2003

Section 6.

To Sections

1

2

3

4

5

7

top

end

41. Em Kho'c Nghe em kho'c, vo.ng tu+` vu`ng xa tha(?m, Anh u+o+'c chi la`m gio.t le^. long lanh. Gio.t nu+o+'c ma('t tu+` con tim ddang u+'a, Le^n kho'e ma('t, la(n nhe. tre^n ddo^i ma', Xuo^'ng mo^i em ro^`i nha^.p la.i tha^n em. 6 September 2002

41. You Cry On hearing your cries coming from far away I wish I were one of your shimmering tears The tears that gush forth from your heart To flood your eyes and roll down your cheeks To your lips then back in your body again. 21 September 2003

42. Pha^n Tra^`n Ne^'u em tra'ch ti`nh anh nhe. nha`ng dde^'n, DDe^? em ro'n re'n va`o ngu+o+~ng cu+?a ye^u thu+o+ng. Ro^`i mo^.t nga`y mo+? ro^.ng ddo'n tim anh, Ma` sao ti`nh anh la.i co' lu'c , Nhu+ ca'nh cu+?a ddo'ng sa^`m cha't chu'a. Ne^'u em bie^'t vi` ti`nh anh tuye^.t ddo^'i, Muo^'n co' em va` chi? mo^.t em tho^i, De^.t to+ ti`nh trong na('ng so+'m chie^`u ho^m, Nhu+~ng lu'c co' em anh tra^n ta`ng ky? nie^.m. Thi` em kho^ng no+~ ho+`n anh , Thi` em kho^ng no+~ gia^.n anh, Kho^ng no+~ tra'ch anh qua' qua('t trong ti`nh ye^u. Ye^u em anh ra^'t muo^'n ddo^.c quye^`n, Ye^u em tim anh va^~n na'o nu+'c , Nhu+ nga`y dda^`u anh mo+'i bie^'t ye^u em. 6 September 2002

42. Explain If you blame my love for gently growing on you To lead you on tiptoe through the gate of love, And to fling your heart wide open for me, Then why it is that at times my love Seems like a gate loudly slammed shut on you? If you knew that my love is absolute For you and for you solely Weaving its tangled web morning and night Whose memory I cherish when by your side. Then you wouldn’t have the heart to resent me, Then you wouldn’t have the heart to fume at me, Or to blame me for being indifferent in love. For your love I want all of you for me, ‘Cause my feverish heart races As on the first day I met you. 21 September 2003

43. Suo^'i No^`ng He` xu+a tu+` ddo^. gio' no^`ng, Ye^u em anh bo? ca^y tho^ng sa^`u buo^`n. Ti`nh em nhu+ suo^'i tu+` nguo^`n, Tre^n cao ro+`i nu'i nu+o+'c tuo^n xuo^'ng tha`nh. Ye^u em anh ddo'n huy hoa`ng, A'i ti`nh mang tra?i chie^`u va`ng lung linh. Su+o+ng khua na('ng so+'m mo^.t mi`nh, Anh mang gio`ng nha.c cuo^'n ti`nh le^n cao. Nu+o+'c nguo^`n ro'c ra'ch lao xao, Gio' cu`ng ca^y co? xi` xa`o ti`nh anh. Ye^u em anh bo? ddo^.c ha`nh, DDam me^ do`ng suo^'i trong la`nh thu+o+ng ye^u... 10 September 2002

43. Hot Spring Since that old summer when the hot wind blew I have left my bleak pine trees for the love of you. Like a rich source your love comes from above Down the mountains to reach the town below. For loving you I greet the greatest splendor yet, Love that spreads in the glittering golden sunset. Alone in the night dew and in the sunny dawn I raise my love in music to the heights beyond. The susurrous spring murmurs, its waters splashing. Wind and grasses and trees whisper my love. In love of you I'm no longer a lonely earthling, But passionate, deeply over my head with love. 22 September 2003

44. Tho+ kho^ng hay Ho^m nay ca?m tha^'y vui La`m ba`i tho+ ta(.ng anh Lo`ng hi' ha hi' hu+?ng Ho?i : Anh thi'ch tho+ em kho^ng ? A^'p u'ng ma~i anh no'i Tho+ cu~ng ...ddu+o+.c nhu+ng ma` Kho^ng hay ba(`ng tho+ tru+o+'c Em va^~n thu+o+`ng pho'ng tay Vie^'t tha(?ng xuo^'ng mo^.t le`o Tha^.t ho^`n nhie^n de^~ ca?m La`m tim anh xao xuye^'n La`m ho^`n anh nga^?n ngo+ Hu+. ... Va^.y anh che^ tho+ em Tho^i em nghi? la`m va^.y Muo^'n em la`m tho+ hay Pha?i chie^`u em he^'t mi`nh Ðe^? cho em ye^u ddo+`i Ðe^? cho em li'u lo Ðe^? ho^`n tho+ tro+? la.i Cho em la.i la`m tho+ Tho+ ti`nh tha^.t u+o+'t a't Cho nga^.p ho^`n anh luo^n 12 September 2002

44. So-So Poetry Today in a good mood I wrote you a poem. My heart was full of glee. I asked, How did you like my verse? Hemming and hawing you said, OK, but not as great As one you wrote last time. You used to just sit down And write at a stretch Spontaneous lovely verse That could melt my heart, That could daze my soul. H'm! You didn’ t like my verse. I’ ll just stop writing. You want good poetry, Then really pamper me, To make me love life To make my heart sing To bring my muse back Then I will write poems, Poems dripping with love To drown your soul in it. 23 September 2003

45. Cho+` Tha`nh pho^' buo^`n khi cho+.t va('ng tie^'ng anh Tro+`i cu~ng buo^`n ne^n tro+`i kho^ng le^n na('ng Va`i gio.t mu+a chia ta^m su+. ngu+o+`i xa Em va^~n co`n dda^y khi anh tro+? la.i Trong ddo^ thi. chu+'a va.n tie^'ng o^`n a`o Trong khung tro+`i va.n ne?o xa xo^i Em va^~n cho+` trong Xua^n Ha. Thu Ðo^ng ... 25 September 2002

45. Waiting The town felt sad when your voice was gone Just as saddened the sun did not shine. With these raindrops let me confide my heart to you That I will still be here when you come back To this town filled with bustling, noisy life. Wherever you may be, far far away I will still abide through all the seasons. 7 October 2003

46. Chu+~ Ti`nh Tre^n ddo+`i co' mo^.t chu+~ chi DDa~ ma('c va`o no' kho' ma` go+~ ra Sa'ch hay ddo.c ma~i kho^ng va`o DDo.c xong nho+' ddu+o+.c bao nhie^u chu+~ na`o? Nha.c ngu+o+`i hay ma^'y cha(?ng ma`ng Nha.c ai mo^.t tie^'ng ru ho^`n co~i tie^n... Na(`m ru gia^'c ngu? bo^`n cho^`n Nga('m tra(ng mu+o+`i sa'u go.i tha^`m te^n anh Te^n anh, em go.i trong dde^m Te^n anh, em go.i giu+~a tru+a ban nga`y Tu+` trong tie^`m thu+'c vo.ng ra Mo^.ng mo+, qua^'n quy't trong ti`nh ye^u anh 26 September 2002

46. The Word Love There is just one word that in life Once caught in it you’re tangled up. Even the most engaging book Sounds flat and so forgettable. And the sweetest music will pale Beside the voice of just one man. I tried to get a wink of troubled sleep Looking at the full moon I called your name. Your name I oft repeat night after night. Your name I call even during the day. It rings from deep inside my soul. In dreams I swim submerged in love of you. 2 October 2003

47. Tu+o+ng Tu+ Anh no'i em ma` bie^'t tu+o+ng tu+ ? tu+o+ng tu+ nhu+ the^' na`o? Xem na`o tu+o+ng tu+ nghi~a la` sao...? Chie^`u qua em xuo^'ng pho^' Ma(.t tro+`i cho+.t ddi va('ng Mo^.t mi`nh ddi trong mu+a Mo^.t no^~i buo^`n man ma'c Va`i gio.t mu+a ddo.ng mi Nho+' nga`y em ho+`n do^~i Anh na(n ni? do^~ da`nh Ca^`u uo^'ng le^. tre^n ma'... Cho+.t ddi ngang cho+. hoa Nhi`n ddo'a ho^`ng ddo? tha('m Nho+' bo^ng ho^`ng anh ta(.ng La^`n dda^`u mi`nh ga(.p nhau... Anh la`m tho+ ta(.ng em Ti`nh qua': ho^`n chao ddao U+o+'c gi` anh be^n ca.nh Ta(.ng anh mo^.t nu. ho^n... Nho+' anh quay qua('t qua' Cu+' tha^~n tho+` nga^?n ngo+ Nho+' gio.ng a^'m tha thie^'t Qua^'n quy't ma~i be^n em... Xa anh em bie^'ng a(n, Bie^'ng no'i, bie^'ng ca? cu+o+`i Chi? cho+` ddu+o+.c nghe la.i Nhu+~ng tie^'ng cu+o+`i tha^n thu+o+ng... Co' pha?i tu+o+ng tu+ kho^ng anh? 27 September 2002

47. Lovesick Once you said, You? Lovesick? How does it feel to be lovesick? Let me see, What does it mean to be lovesick? Yesterday afternoon I went to town When the bright sun had gone away. I walked alone in soaking rain So overcome with the deep blues. Raindrops lingered upon my eyes. I recalled the day I had sulked, And you tried hard to calm me down Drinking the tears dry off my cheeks. My steps led by the flower shop Looking in I saw a bunch of red roses, And remembered those you had given me On the first date we met. You wrote me poetry So romantic my heart fluttered. I wish you were here So I could give you a kiss. O, how I miss you, my sweetheart, To the point of distraction! How I miss your warm ardent voice That wraps round me in sweet embrace. Away from you I shun all food, And live a silent joyless world. O, how I want again to hear Your merry voice so sweet and dear! Am I lovesick, my honey dear? 2 October 2003

48. Ti`nh Ban So+ Chu'ng ta hai cuo^.c ddo+`i DDie^?m ga(.p nhau kho^ng ddi.nh Trong cuo^.c so^'ng vo^ ti`nh Gian nan tra?i kha('p lo^'i... Nu. cu+o+`i anh hie^`n ho`a Nu. cu+o+`i anh a^'m a'p Nhu+ tia na('ng o^n hoa` Trong nhu+~ng nga`y dda^`u Xua^n Khi ti`nh co`n e de` Khi ti`nh vu+`a ba('t lu+?a Khi ti`nh co`n do` da^~m Khi ti`nh nga^.p va^'n vu+o+ng Qua tha'ng na(m mu+a na('ng Nho+' thu+o+ng va^~n ddong dda^`y Ti`nh va^~n chu+a nga^.p lo^'i Ti`nh va^~n co`n mong manh Ti`nh va^~n co`n mo+ mo^.ng Ti`nh va^~n co`n me^ say Huye^~n hoa(.c ki`a ti`nh ye^u Co+' sao ba('t ho^`n ta? DDe^? tim ta giao ddo^.ng DDe^? ho^`n ta kho'i su+o+ng Nhi`n ddo'a hoa nhu+ nga^y Nhi`n bu+o+'m va`ng vo+`n nhe. Nho+' nu. cu+o+`i tri`u me^'n Nho+' ngu+o+`i phu+o+ng tro+`i xa... Tu+o+ng tu+ pha?i kho^ng nhi?? Anh ha~y ba?o em ddi... 27 September 2003

48. Incipient Love We lead two separate lives. The twain don’t seem to meet. In this indifferent life Strewn everywhere with woe. Your smile was so sweet. Your smile was as heart-warming As the gentle sun Of the early spring days, When love was hesitant, When love’s spark was kindling, And love was still groping Filling us with so much yearning. Over the months and years Our feelings stayed just as intense. Yet love was still unfulfilling And was still fragile Though full of reveries, And so full of passion. O, love! Why are you so illusive? Why hold my soul captive, And let my heart flutter And let my soul suffer? Seeing the flowers so thrilling, The yellow butterflies flirting, I long for the loving smile Of one who’s so far away. Isn’t that what is called lovesick? Will you tell me, darling? 2 Ocbober 2003

49. Tie^~n Em E^m a'i xuo^i gio`ng nu+o+'c va^~n tro^i, Nu. ho^n nhu+ co`n ddo.ng tre^n mo^i. Em dda~ xa ro^`i, tra(ng nho+' bo'ng, Mi`nh anh hiu qua.nh no^~i ddo+n co^i... Nga`y em gia~ tu+` anh kho^ng ddu+a tie^~n dduo+.c, Ne^n dde^m nay nhi`n tra(ng khuya la.nh, Anh ddu+'ng dda^y tuo+?ng chu+`ng phi co+ ca^'t ca'nh, Khua^'t da^`n trong kho'i tra('ng su+o+ng mo+`. Pha?i cha(ng anh nho+' em va` va^~n ddo+.i cho+` , Em co' quay dda^`u ti`m nguo+`i o+? la.i? Hay vo^.i va`ng nha^'c mo+' ha`nh trang ? La`m sao chu'c em thu+o+.ng lo^. bi`nh an ? Anh nghe buo^`n da^ng le^n trong ho^`n ba^'t o^?n , Anh chi? bie^'t tha^~n tho+` cu'i ma(.t, DDe^? co^' nga(n buo^ng mo^.t tie^'ng tho+? da`i . 6 June 2002

49. Seeing You Off Downstream the river keeps flowing. That kiss on my lips still seemed lingering. With you now far away, the moon’s joyless Leaving me in desolate loneliness. The day you left I could not see you off. Tonight with the chilly moon as witness I imagine your plane taking off Slowly disappearing behind the mist. Is it true I still long for your return, You will turn round to one who stayed behind, Or just pick up your bag and leave for good? How could I say farewell to you, When my unsettled soul was filled with grief, And left me dazed and so downcast To fight back tears and sighs without relief? 3 October 2003

50. Nghie^ng Nghie^ng Tro+`i dda^`u Thu la`nh la.nh Lang thang trong co^ng vie^n Gio.t mu+a ro+i nghie^ng nghie^ng DDa'p nhe. tre^n bo+` vai... Be^n bo+` so^ng e^m a? DDo^i nha^n ti`nh thi` tha^`m Tie^'ng cu+o+`i vui khu'c khi'ch Nghie^ng nghie^ng hai ma'i dda^`u... Tie^'ng chuo^ng tha'nh ddu+o+`ng xa Cho+.t vu't le^n trong gio' Que^.n trong tie^'ng xi` xa`o Trong ha`ng ca^y nghie^ng nghie^ng... Nghie^ng nghie^ng mo^.t ma'i dda^`u DDo^i ma('t ddo^'t lo`ng ngu+o+`i Mo^.t nu. cu+o+`i ba`ng ba.c Mo^'i ti`nh Thu nhu+ Ma^y U+o+'c gi`... 20 October 2002

50. Slanting At the start of chilly autumn Around in the park I wander The fine drizzling raindrops falling Alight gently on my shoulders. By the calm, quiet river bank Two young lovers talk in whispers With their softened laughs on the bench Leaning their heads against each other. From afar the sounds of church bells Ring out and spread wide by the wind Mingling their voices with the rustling Of the trees around, their limbs leaning. Cocking her head at a slant With her eyes that burn a man’s heart She smiles a smile that joy imparts, An autumn love the clouds enchant. O, how I wish! 8 October 2003

Section 7.

To Sections

1

2

3

4

5

6

top

end

51. Tho+ Va(n va` Ngu+o+`i Ho?i ra(`ng " Ye^u nhau say dda('m mo^.ng mo+, Anh la`m tho+ ta(.ng ngu+o+`i trong mo^.ng ddo+`i. Anh co`n me^ ho.c chuye^n ca^`n, Mie^.t ma`i ddo.c sa'ch vie^`i ba`i nga`y dde^m, Va^.y thi` anh nghi~ ra sao Ye^u tho+ me^ sa'ch hay anh thu+o+ng ngu+o+`i ?" Anh ye^u Em nhu+ chu+a bao gio+` bie^'t ye^u Anh say Em ho+n ru+o+.u ngo.t tho+m no^`ng Va^.y thi` la`m sao ca('t nghia~ ddam me^ La`m sao gia?i thi'ch ba be^` ye^u thu+o+ng? Ne^'u ba`i vie^'t la` cao lu+o+ng my~ vi., Va` tho+ la` tra'ng mie^.ng vu+`a ta^m, Thi` Em la` chung tra` no'ng nga't hu+o+ng. Ne^'u chuye^n khoa la` chie^`u va`ng ru+.c ro+~, Va` tho+ la` gio' ma't phu+o+ng xa, Thi` Em la` phu+o+.ng hoa`ng tung ca'nh. Ne^'u khoa ho.c la` tru+a he` na('ng ga('t, Va` tho+ la` bo'ng ma't nghi? cha^n, Thi` Em la` nu+o+'c la`nh trong ma't. Ne^'u sa'ch la` nhie^n lie^.u do^`i da`o, Va` tho+ la` tinh khi' tro+`i cao, Thi` Em la` mo^`i lu+?a nhie^.m ma^`u. Ne^'u sau mua` He` vui tu+o+i no^`ng a^'m, Co' mu`a Thu la' cho+.t ddo^?i ma`u, Sau mu`a DDo^ng gio' re't la.nh ca(m, Mua` Xua^n dde^'n ca^y co? he^'t sa^`u. Thie^n nhie^n bo^'n mu`a nhu+ lua^n vu~, Quay cuo^`ng qua^'n qui't tro^.m kho^ng gian. Thi` ti`nh na`y nhu+ ta.o ho'a ban cho, Ye^u tho+, ye^u sa'ch, ye^u Em, Cuo^.c ddo+`i thi vi., ca^`n chi thie^n dda`ng... Ye^u tho+, ye^u sa'ch ye^u ngu+o+`i, Dung ho`a ddu+o+.c ca? cuo^.c ddo+`i tu+o+i vui . Va('ng tho+ bo? sa'ch bo^~ng nghe`o, Thie^'u Em ddo+`i cho+.t hoang ta`n vo^ tri... 28 November 2002

51. Poetry, Literature and My Sweetheart The question was, "If our love is as passionate as it is in a dream, And you write poems to sing of your dream sweetheart, And are engrossed in learning, Day and night reading and writing, Then let me ask, Do you love books and poetry, or do you love me?" I love you as I have never loved before. I am entranced by you as if drunk from wine's sweet aroma. How can my passion be explained? How can my heart's feelings be defined? If my writing is choice food, And my poetry is tasty dessert, Then you are my cup of sweet-smelling tea. If my professional prose is a resplendent sunset, And my poetry is a refreshing breeze from afar, Then you are my soaring phoenix. If science is mid-summer day's heat, And poetry is the relaxing shade for tired legs, Then you are my wholesome refreshing spring. If books are rich ingredients, And poetry is heaven's essence, Then you sure are my miraculous fire. If after the summer's joy and warmth Come the changing colors of fall, And the frigid cold of winter, Then spring is revival of the flora. Nature passes through the four seasons, Ravishing space in its tight grip; Then our love is Providence-given. My love of poetry, of books and you, With romance in life, need we have Eden? I love poetry, love books, love you, Embrace all for a rich rewarding life. Without poetry and books, life becomes dull; Without you, life is a lifeless wasteland. 13 May 2003

52. Ga'nh sa^`u Cha`ng ddi co^ng ta'c xa xa Mo^.t mi`nh tro^'ng tra?i ca(n nha` buo^`n te^nh... “Ho^m ra`y anh ddi va('ng Tha`nh pho^' buo^`n u? ru~ Ma(.t tro+`i cha(?ng the`m ra Ba~o ro+'t dda^u u`a to+'i Ra? ri'ch mu+a ca? nga`y Em tho+? da`i a?o na~o Anh co^ng ta'c no+i na`o ? Co' tha^'u cha(ng lo`ng em Mo^.t tu'i buo^`n ddang ga'nh...” “Mo^.t tu'i buo^`n ddang ga'nh Em mang va^'t ddi dda^u ? Kho^ng em cha(?ng vu+'t dda^u Em se~ cha^'t mu'i buo^`n Cho+` bao gio+` anh ve^` Em mang ddi rao ba'n Ba'n cho ai dda^y nhi? ? Cho anh chu+' co`n ai Em ba'n ra la`m sao ? Em ba'n tu+`ng mu'i buo^`n DDo^?i la^'y tu+`ng so+.i to+ DDo^?i la^'y tu+`ng ha`ng chu+~ DDo^?i la^'y tu+`ng ca^u tho+ Bo' to+ ti`nh tho+ va(n Em co^.t cha(.t quanh anh DDe^? mi`nh em qua^'n quy't Chi? mo^.t mi`nh em tho^i” 18 December 2002

52. A Load of Sorrows He's gone on a long trip faraway Leaving behind a sad and empty house. "Since you were gone away, sweetheart, The town just droops with lots of tears. The sun, too, does not the clouds part, Violent sudden storm appears. The rain keeps falling all day long, And sadness fills me with glum sighs. Where is it that you went so long And left me with a heart that dies?" I gather all my gloomy thoughts, Discard not one of my deep wounds, Keep them in my bosom distraught When you come back after your rounds. I will sell my sorrows But not to any one, Only to you, my dear, so you Can see and have what I have done: Each strand for one love web so true, Each strand for one line of love verse Each strand for one word of poem too. With that I'll weave a web of love Around you, dear, to bind all you Around all me, and be just one, Just one for me and no one else. 22 December 2002

53. Ca'nh Chim Tro+`i Tinh ca^`u nga`n vi` sao Ha.t sao na`o duye^n em Ru.ng xuo^'ng nha^.p tha^n to^i DDe^? tim to^i vu+o+ng va^'n DDe^? ho^`n to^i tha^~n tho+` Quen nhau qua na(m tha'ng La.i ca`ng dda^.m ti`nh em Thu+o+ng em qua' la('mro^`i Ne^n to^i muo^'n to^i la` Tro.ng ta^m cu?a chu' y' Duy nha^'t chi? mi`nh to^i... Nhu+ng em na`o co' hie^?u Va^~n mo^.t tra'i tim va`ng Va^~n gieo ra('c ti`nh thu+o+ng Ti`nh ba.n hu+~u xa ga^`n Ti`nh ddo^`ng hu+o+ng quye^'n luye^'n Em dda~ ba?o to^i ra(`ng Tu+` nga`y em quen to^i Em buo^`n nhie^`u ho+n vui Co' mo^.t nga`y na`o dd o' Em se~ chia tay to^i Vi` em kho^ng muo^'n buo^`n DDo+`i em nhu+ ca'nh chim Bay bo^?ng tre^n tro+`i cao Tung hoa`nh mi`nh mo^.t co~i... . Mo^.t buo^?i chie^`u tro+`i dde.p Na('ng va`ng tu+o+i lo^.ng la^~y Em li'u lo cu+o+`i no'i Mu+`ng ha`n huye^n vo+'i anh O^i! Ta.i sao to^i gia^.n em? Du` kho^ng mo^.t nguye^n co+'... Nay xa to^i tha^.t ro^`i Chi? co`n ky? nie^.m xu+a Thu+ gu+?i nie^`m nhung nho+' Em co' co`n ddo.c kho^ng ? 7 January 2003

53. The High-Flying Bird Of millions of stars in the sky Which one carried your love And descended in my body To tangle my heartstrings with yours Throwing my soul in disarray? We have known each other for years. Each day made our love more intense As my heart for you grows fonder. I want me to be the center Of all the attention you can muster To give to me and me only. But you don’t want to understand. With your usual big heart of gold You want to cast your love abroad To friends and kins both far and near And to compatriots with affection. You surely have told me before, From the day you got to know me You have had more sorrow than joy, That there will come a day When you’ll have to leave me Because you want suffering no more. Your life is much like a free bird Who loves to soar into the sky Freely to roam without hindrance. So one beautiful afternoon With the glorious sun shining bright You chattered with much laugh and fun With me about all kinds of things. O, why was I angry with you? Angry and yet without reason. Now that you have really left me. Only the memory remains. I wrote this note with my heartache Will you bother to read it, dear? 10 October 2003

54. Thu+o+ng La`m sao ddi.nh nghi~a ca'i thu+o+ng? Ho+~i ai hie^?u ddu+o+.c mo+? ddu+o+`ng giu`m cho Thu+o+ng na`o co' ca'i dda('n ddo Thu+o+ng na`o co' ca'i ta^m lo kho^ng dda`nh Thu+o+ng na`o thu+o+ng ke? ddo^.c ha`nh Thu+o+ng na`o nhu+ ke? tro`ng tra`nh thuye^`n mo+? “Mu+o+`i thu+o+ng” thi` no'i dda~ mo`n DDuo^i ga` kho^ng ke^?, chi? co`n... chi'n tho^i Va^.n trong tro+`i dda^'t no^?i tro^i Sao tro+`i ha`ng va.n mo^.t no^i mo^.t ngu+o+`i... Chu't lo`ng tra('c a^?n mie^`n ta^y Chu+~ “thu+o+ng” gu+?i dde^'n cho+.t ga^y nu. cu+o+`i Va`i ha`ng ca?m kha'i dde^'n ngu+o+`i Die^~n dda`n na`o bie^'t ai ngu+o+`i ddo.c thu+... 13 April 2003

54. Love Can anyone define what love is? Will anyone who knows tell me? Love is given without hesitation. Love must be lots of tender care. Love to the lonesome traveler Love to the lone heart with only dreams. Of ten reasons to fall in love With youth out there remains just nine. Through all the ups and downs of life There is one star for just the one. This heart feels for one in the west. Let love be sent to give him smiles. These heart-felt words from me to him Will he know to read them on the Forum? 10 October 2003

55. Bao Gio+` Anh Tro+? La.i? Bao gio+` anh tro+? la.i La Jolla? Bao gio+` anh dde^'n tha(m mie^`n vie^~n Ta^y? O+? dda^y na('ng va^~n hie^`n hoa`, O+? dda^y gio' va^~n go.i dda`n chim bay... So'ng va^~n do^.i tu+` bie^?n xa nga`n da(.m, DDa' hu+'ng so'ng chi.u gio' dda~ nga`n na(m. Nho+' nga`y na`o ddu+'ng ye^n tre^n mo?m dda', Nhi`n so'ng vo^~ do^`n da^.p, cho+.t tra^`m nga^m. Ho?i ra(`ng nguye^n lu+.c tu+` dda^u tha^.t ba't nga't, So vo+'i ngu+o+`i chu't ca't bu.i tra^`n gian... Cuo^.c ddo+`i mo^.t ha.t bu.i tra^`n, Thoa?ng trong co+n gio' mo^.t la^`n bay qua. Tro+? ve^` ca't bie^?n kho^ng xa, Trie^.u na(m vu~ tru. kie^u sa mo^.t mi`nh... Bao gio+` anh tro+? la.i La Jolla? 15 April 2003

55. When Will You Come Back? When will you come back to La Jolla? When will you come see the Far West? Here the sun is still always mild. Here the wind still calls to the birds. The waves still rush in from miles of high seas Fretting the rocks that age-old winds wear out. I thought of the day standing on a rock Looking at the roaring waves, lost in thought, Musing where this great primal force came from Reducing humans to mere grains of sand. Human life is just like a speck of dust Carried by the whims of the passing winds To be thrown back into the near beach sand Through the eons of Universe’s loneliness. When will you come back to La Jolla? 10 October 2003

56. DDo^i Ma('t Tho+ Ma('t em la` mo^.t ho^` Tho+, Lung linh trong na('ng mo^.ng mo+ mo^.t mi`nh. Ma('t em la` mo^.t ru+`ng Thu, Xa.t xa`o na('ng so+'m, vi vu gio' chie^`u. Ma('t em ho+n ma('t nai to+, Di.u da`ng ye^?u ddie^.u nga'c ngo+ tuye^.t vo+`i. Ma('t em ho+n ma('t bo^` ca^u, Sa'ng ngo+`i tuye^.t my~ huye^`n cha^u na`o ba(`ng. Ma('t em dda~ tro^.m ho^`n to^i, Mo^.t ddo+`i to^i lo^.i trong ho^` ma('t em. 3 May 2003

56. The Eyes of Poetry Your eyes are streams of poetry Shining in dreams solitary. Your eyes are the wood of the fall Rustling from bright morn to breezy nightfall. Your eyes are softer than a doe's Gentle, graceful and marvelous. Your eyes are sweeter than a dove's Bright, beauteous, peerless in love. They snared my life in rapturous hold Drowning in their power my captive soul. 13 July 2003

57. Tuye^'t Thu Sa'ng nay trong na('ng dda^`u Thu, Tuye^'t dda^u ro+i ra('c tre^n khu pho^' sa^`u. Nhe. nha`ng lo'ng la'nh kho^ng ma^`u, DDa^.u tre^n vai a'o, cho+.t ca^`u mong manh. U+o+’c gi` em ddu+o+.c be^n anh, DDe^? ta cu`ng da.o chung quanh bo+` ho^`. Nhi`n con so'ng lu+o+.n nha^'p nho^, Nga('m ddo^i chim nho? li'u lo to? ti`nh. Ta.t va`o qua'n nho? be^n ddu+o+`ng, Ly ca` phe^ no'ng nga't hu+o+ng dda^.m no^`ng. Nu. ho^n su+o+?i a^'m ma' ho^`ng, Vo`ng tay qua^'n quy't ho`a ddo^`ng nhi.p tim... Co+' sao em co' mo^.t mi`nh, Co`n anh mang na(.ng mo^'i ti`nh vie^~n phu+o+ng. Ca'ch nhau so^ng nu'i xa tru+o+`ng, Bo^'n mu`a vu+o+ng va^'n, ye^u thu+o+ng chu+a vu+`a... Sa'ng nay trong na('ng dda^`u Thu, Tuye^'t dda^u ro+i ra('c tre^n khu pho^' sa^`u. Giu+~a lo`ng ddo^ thi. kho^ng ma`u, Mi`nh em canh ca'nh mo^'i sa^`u nho+' anh... 1 November 2002

57. Autumn Snow This morning in the early autumn sun The snow was falling on the gloomy streets Weightlessly glittering its in white sheets Landing on my shoulders a flimsy run. I wish you were here with me, dear, So we could take a stroll around the lake Watching the rolling ripples clear And little birds twittering their love. We’d drop in a roadside café To share a hot cup of coffee And kisses that warm up our face Fast in each other’s hearts and arms. Why am I so lonely, my dear, While you share your love far away Across the distant mounts and vales With me pining throughout the year? This morning in the early autumn sun The snow was falling on the gloomy streets. In this lifeless and dismal town I miss you, dear, in pained heartbreak. 10 October 2003

58. Do`ng So^ng, Ca^y Du+`a Ca(n nha` cu~ ven so^ng, Co' do`ng nu+o+'c cha?y ngang, Co' bo'ng ma't ca^y du+`a , No+i to^i ddu+o+.c quen em, Tre^n the^' gio+'i kho^ng a?o... Ti`nh ye^u len le'n dde^'n, Ti`nh ye^u vu.t le^n cao. La`m ho^`n to^i cho+'i vo+'i, La`m tim to^i xo^'n xang. Em dda~ dde^'n vo+'i to^i, Qua ca'nh thu+ ho^`ng nha.t. Vo+'i ti`nh ye^u trong sa'ng, Vo+'i nu. cu+o+`i vo^ tu+ . O^i tha^`n tie^n hoa mo^.ng, Nhu+~ng gio+` phu't ta^m ti`nh. Trong ti`nh ye^u nhe. nha`ng, Trong ti`nh ye^u tuye^.t my~. Trong ti`nh ye^u tuye^.t vo+`i, Nhu+~ng do`ng tho+ e^m a'i, Cu`ng do`ng nha.c tha^n thu+o+ng. Ti`nh to^i na(.ng ho+n nu'i, Ba't nga't ho+n dda.i du+o+ng... Va^~n thu+o+ng va^~n nho+' em, Ky? nie^.m va^~n ddo.ng dda^`y. Chuye^.n ti`nh mi`nh co`n ma~i, Trong suo^'t cuo^.c ddo+`i to^i. 20 December 2002

58. The River and the Palm Trees In the old house by the river Pushing round the bend its waters Under the tall shady palm trees Where I met you for the first time Was such an illusion-like world. Love furtively tiptoed round us And soared high with us in its arms Plunging my soul in a dither, Shaking my heart in a flutter. You had come to me, my sweetheart, In a letter on rose paper With your love so bright and so pure And your smile carefree and demure. O, those moments of divine bliss! Those moments of heart-to-heart talk In love that was so delicate, In love that was so beautiful. Our love a wonder of wonders Is so woven in soft verses And in music that’s tenderness. My love's stronger than the mountains And is vaster than the oceans. I still love you and miss you, dear, In memories of bliss alive Our love story will always live Throughout my life year after year. 10 October 2003

59. Xin ha~y cu+'... Trong cuo^.c ddo+`i phu` du Mo^.t tra(m na(m nga('n ngu?i Sinh tu+? nhu+ co+n gio' Trong vu~ tru. me^nh mo^ng Co' ai kho^ng tu+. ho?i Khi nhi`n le^n tro+`i xanh Chu’ng ta tu+` dda^u dde^'n Trong the^' gio+'i ky` bi' Ha`ng ty? na(m hu+~ng ho+` ? Ki`a tra(ng sao huy hoa`ng Ki`a ma(.t tro+`i lo^.ng la^~y Ki`a ca^y co? xanh tu+o+i Ki`a muo^n sinh nho^.n nhi.p... Chu't hoa`i ca?m cho+.t da^ng Ha~y dde^? ho^`n la('ng di.u Ha~y nghi~ dde^'n chi'nh ta Ha~y bo? da(m ba phu't DDe^? vie^'t le^n ca?m nghi~ Cha^n tha^.t cu?a lo`ng mi`nh Trong gia^y phu't ba^'t cho+.t Vu+`a thoa'ng hie^.n trong ta^m DDu+`ng dde^? no' bie^'n ma^'t Vi` tho+`i gian va^~n tro^i Xin ha~y cu+' la`m tho+ Xin ha~y cu+' vie^'t va(n... 26 April 2003

59. Keep Going In this ephemeral life on earth A hundred years is really brief, And life and death come as a whiff In our immense great universe. Who among us would not ask When looking at the vast blue sky, Where did we humans all come from? This universe of mystery For billions of years will last. The moon and stars shine glorious, The sun sends forth its radiant light, The trees and plants so green and lush, And our world too is full of life. So when your soul is so inspired Give it some respite and some rest, And give yourself some serious thought. Sit down and take a few moments To write those thoughts and feelings down That are so true to your dear heart, And in unexpected instants Have come from deep within yourself. Don't ever let them fly away 'Cause time will never come again. And so, go on and write poems, Go on and write your prose as well. 25 May 2003

60. La' Thu+ Bordeaux Bordeaux co' gio`ng so^ng la`nh, Co' ru+o+.u vang ddo? lung linh ngo.t nga`o. Co' ru+o+.u vang tra('ng mo+`i cha`o, Me^`m mo^i nha^'p ma~i, chao ddao nho+' nha`. Ki`a tru+o+`ng co^? ki'nh Y Khoa, Hun ddu'c, dda`o ta.o dda~ bao danh ta`i. My~ thua^.t, kie^'n tru'c mie^.t ma`i, Ta^n ky` nhu+~ng ne't do.c ngang tha'ch tro+`i. Bordeaux co' tie^'ng ddo+`i ddo+`i, Lu+u lo`ng du kha'ch dda'p lo+`i vie^~n phu+o+ng. La^u dda`i su+`ng su+~ng gio' su+o+ng, Ra(.ng nho xanh ta^.n cuo^'i ddu+o+`ng ngu+o+`i ddi. Ru+o+.u ngon ca?nh va^.t hu+~u ti`nh, Hu+~ng ho+` ta va^~n mo^.t mi`nh phu+o+ng xa. Go'c tro+`i thu+o+ng nho+' ngo.c nga`, Co' em, mo^.t a'ng chie^`u ta` cu~ng say. 26 December 2002

60. The Letter from Bordeaux Bordeaux is built on a gentle river With red wine that’s glistening and sweet-smelling And with white wine that is so inviting. Sipping the wine I felt deeply homesick. There stands the School of Medicine That’s trained many men of talent Its beauty and architecture Shine in a modern and clean style. Bordeaux will always hold its fame To welcome guests from all the globe With its chateaux and their great name Where vineyards stretch to a distance. Good wine in idyllic settings Could not relieve my loneliness. In this corner full of yearnings With you by me sunset’s pure bliss. 10 October 2003

To Sections

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

top

end