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Prompt: Analysis of Thâm Tâm's Farewell Journey Poem
Response:
Tâm Tâm's 'Farewell Journey' stands among the finest poems of the 1932-1945 modern poetry movement. Penned in 1940, the poem eloquently expresses the sorrow of parting, the separation from family and homeland, as a young soul embarks on a noble journey. In contrast to contemporaneous poets, Thâm Tâm employs a subtly romantic and melancholic tone, deviating from the grand and vibrant styles. This unique approach breathes new life into 'Farewell Journey,' making it soft, poignant, and exceptionally distinctive.
Explaining the title 'Farewell Journey,' a Sino-Vietnamese phrase, it signifies a poetic narrative bidding farewell to someone departing for a distant place. Thâm Tâm's poetic style, robust yet infused with a nostalgic essence, carries a 'vague, hard-to-understand melancholy of the era.'
'Sending someone, we don't cross a river
Why are there waves within the heart?
The evening shadow is neither gentle nor golden
Why is there a sunset in the eyes?
Sending someone, we only send that person
A departure from family, a silent farewell...'
The farewell scene unfolds during a serene evening, evoking profound sorrow. The absence of a river or boat, the lack of a 'golden' sunset, and the tranquil evening emphasize that the melancholy stems not from the surroundings but from the heart. The poignant question conveys perplexity, surprise, and emotions too deep to articulate. The longing gaze becomes the only means to express unspoken words and worries.
'Oh, traveler! Oh, traveler! The narrow path,
A determined spirit won't return empty-handed,
It shall never speak of a comeback!
Even after three years, an old mother shouldn't hope!'
The imagery of the departing figure reveals unwavering determination, an iron will as he sets forth, vowing to become a 'resolute spirit' without 'returning' and never uttering a word of return. The poet emphasizes the resolve with a reminder, 'Even after three years, don't expect an old mother!' The poetic grandeur, expressed with powerful and resolute words, reflects the brave heart of a man embarking on a journey to repay his debt to the nation, promising not to return until the land is free from invaders. Such a noble heart deserves admiration and respect.
'I knew you were sad the evening before:
Now it's midsummer, the lotus is in full bloom,
One sister, two sisters, like the lotus,
Advising the younger brother, tears streaming down.
I knew you were sad this morning:
The sky is not yet autumn, so bright,
The little one, innocent with blue eyes,
Folds the handkerchief with full sympathy...'
The departing soul is determined to an extent, but does he not carry sadness? Indeed, he does. The young man is first a son, also a younger brother, and furthermore, an elder brother, with responsibilities in each role. Don't only acknowledge the sorrow of those left behind; the departing one also bears hundreds of painful thoughts, contemplating a one-way journey for the country's sake, feeling proud and uplifted, yet leaving behind familial debts. The deep, silent sadness of the young man is depicted through two poignant lines: 'I knew you were sad the evening before/I knew you were sad this morning,' expressing sorrow before the farewell, the sadness of looking back at loved ones, perhaps for the last time.
'The departing one? Oh yes, the one truly embarking on the journey!
Mother prefers to be seen as a fluttering leaf,
Sister would rather be considered a speck of dust,
Youth would rather be seen as the scent of intoxicating wine.'
In the final verses, the departing man sets forth, overlooking typical family sentiments, disregarding trivial emotions. Instead, he embraces a larger sentiment—the love for the homeland, a profound sense of national pride. With determination to leave 'A departure from family, a silent farewell,' those staying behind must also stand firm, avoiding attachment, letting the departing soul embark without burden. For the mother, consider her as a 'fluttering leaf,' the sister as a 'speck of dust,' and the younger one as the 'scent of intoxicating wine.' This departure becomes a commonplace occurrence in daily life—like leaves, dust, or the aroma of wine—given the numerous individuals who have forsaken their families to engage in such battles. These men depart for lofty ideals, envisioning a brighter future for the nation, where families can live joyously together. It's a steadfast belief.
'Farewell Journey' is a remarkable poem, characterized by its sturdy rhythm, yet still exuding a gentle, romantic nostalgia, with the imagery of the 'traveler's cup,' symbolizing admiration and reverence for those departing to fight as ancient heroes did. Reading the poem, one can sense the profound melancholy in the hearts of both the departing and those bidding farewell. Simultaneously, there's an appreciation for the resilient spirit, the heroic determination, and the unwavering commitment to the ideal of liberating the nation displayed by the one setting forth.
