1. Poem: SEA AND YOU
SEA AND YOU
By: Pham Hong Soi
Do you know?
The sea is so beautiful this season
The ships, venturing far into the vastness
Merge with the azure sea at dusk!
The sea and you!
No comparison can measure
If given a choice, I'd take them all
Half of your love, half of the sea, morning to dusk
Days away from you!
By the beloved sea
Nights under the hanging moon, listening to the murmuring waves
Understanding the loneliness, the tough months
The waves, gentle, cuddling with the winds and clouds!
The sea and you!
The longing never fades
Never will it saturate in memories
Away from you, my love, the sea by my side ponders
Through the wavering days amidst the vast ocean
Back to you!
Longing for the sea forever lingering
Missing the ships, venturing out to protect the sea
Remembering the seagulls, evening light on the azure waves
By your side!
I still deeply miss the sea!
Author: Hong Soi
27.01.2018

2. Poem: TO WIN HIM OVER
TO WIN HIM OVER
By: Pham Hong Soi
The jasmine has bloomed, oh dear!
As winter arrives, yearning fills the heart
To lean in silence, in a moment still
To admire the blooming jasmine
The first time we met, I remember forever
You shyly handed me a jasmine branch
Wild flowers lingered in your steps
Oh, memories rush back in
As the late autumn night approaches, you remain restless
Out at sea, he still stands vigil day and night
Raindrops patter on the veranda, wind whispers
Surely now, on that distant island, it's bitterly cold
Your mother and you pray for good fortune
May the sea calm, may the wild wind subside
Autumn leaves fall in the courtyard
The jasmine is set to win him over!
Author: Hong Soi
09.10.2018

3. Poem: THE ENDLESS WAVE
THE ENDLESS WAVE
By: Pham Hong Soi
The ship's horn echoes loudly
Encompassing love within the wind
Milk flower expressing
Intense fragrance mingling with the clouds
Far from the innocent childhood pier
Promises and countless wishes
Today the boat sails downstream, tomorrow upstream
The pier remains faithfully committed for a lifetime
Day after day of yearning
The scent of early milk flowers
Sweet taste of contained love
Faintly drifting somewhere
Amidst days filled to the brim
At the military base amidst smoke and guns
Spirits unwavering
Songs echoing the blue sea
In the vast expanse of the sea
Swinging gently on the waves
The waiting pier eagerly anticipates
You will return to me!
Author: Hong Soi
26.8.2017

4. Poem: MEMORIES' EVENING SMOKE
MEMORIES' EVENING SMOKE
By: Pham Hong Soi
Autumn has passed, do you still remember?
The green levee where we chased butterflies together
Under the river's flow, our shadows danced in love
The footpath filled with cherished memories
As the afternoon sun gradually sets, lingering sunshine persists
Fragrant scent of evening smoke within memories
Youthful hearts beating passionately
Evenings cold with passion-stirring winds
The day we parted, you hesitated, awkward
Lips trembling, eyes dreamy amidst purple evenings
The puppy circling, snug and warm
Rain whispering softly outside the window
Now, the evening clouds sway steadily
The wind gently rushes back to the waiting shore
Out at sea, waves surge, calling
Eyes lost in longing entwine with fond memories
Standing firm, guarding the border
Longing for love, yet hearts remain steadfast
Amidst danger, the gun remains steady
Waves overflow, carrying the homeland's melody
Promising to return when winter comes, we'll revisit the levee
Release the soul to the old butterfly-chasing path
Eyes shimmering in tender emotion
Hearts pounding, overflowing with affection!
Author: Hong Soi
17.8.2017

5. Poem: WAITING FOR YOU
WAITING FOR YOU
By: Pham Hong Soi
Winter has arrived, the cold wind chaps the lips
All year long, thin shoulders shiver in the chill
Missing you dearly, now amidst the vast sea
Bracing against the storm, standing strong
The longing tightly held within
Praying for your peace amidst the turmoil
As the storm passes, twilight falls at the gate
Welcoming you back in the chilly breeze
For so long, I've yearned to feel this way
And to soar in ecstasy as dreams come true
Countless nights without you, restless hearts
Now you return, holding onto those winter nights!
Author: Hong Soi
9.11.2017

6. Poem: ALONE STILL GRANDMA
ALONE STILL GRANDMA
By: Pham Hong Soi
Grandchild greets the world, grandma has gone far
A leafy house, each evening returns lonely
Grandpa recounts grandma's departure, so young
Leaving behind a pile of difficulties
This autumn swiftly marks twenty years
Returning to the village, much has changed
Civilized life, days of anticipation
Oh grandpa, alone until when!?
Yearning for grandpa, the heart feels restless
Wanting to share but choked up, not speaking
Silently knowing so many hopes
Grandpa, overcome each difficult moment!
Twenty years pondering, the skies clouded with doubt
Grandma still insists, alone with her pillow
Back and forth, those things more than real
But until now, grandma still remains alone!
Author: Hong Soi
01.10.2018

7. Poem: COME BACK, MY LOVE
COME BACK, MY LOVE
By: Pham Hong Soi
You've gone, leaving emptiness in autumn's wake
Golden leaves fall, waving their farewell
On Khâm Thiên Street, everyone awaits eagerly
Where are you, lost in distance from home?
Day by day, I knit the cloth of a devoted spouse
Waiting for you in gentle, loving arms
For countless icy nights, I've endured
Endlessly hoping, even in dreams!
Autumn has passed, yet I wait with each passing hour
Still waiting, as winter turns to spring
How many times have you missed our rendezvous, my love?
Hasn't the season changed its entire wardrobe yet?
Hanoi is intoxicated with the sweet scent of milk flowers
Come back, my love, what more are you waiting for?
The rice from Làng Vòng still sways in abundance
The wild fruits have ripened, perfuming the air of Đông Dư
Golden chrysanthemums bloom, filling the autumn sky
Waiting for you since the day I started knitting!
Author: Hong Soi
04.10.2018

8. Poem: WINDS WILL SOFTEN
WINDS WILL SOFTEN
By: Pham Hong Soi
The Southwest wind blows, my dear
A journey surpassing storms
Our sea, vast and beautiful
Shining with the heroic deeds of our forefathers
Today's ships continue their path
Affirming our beloved country's sovereignty
In your hometown, the land is deeply rooted
In the evening sea, I rejoice with the waves
The mainland awaits, eagerly
Placing trust in the winds that will soften
Under the night sky, the echoing bells
Slowly merge into longing
Night falls, worries linger
Our sea, under constant watch day and night
On the horizon, clouds dance, rain flies
The navy uniform flutters in the breeze
The enemy's intentions always disturb
Yet, steadfast are our seafaring soldiers
With you supporting them in the rear
The sea and islands, our homeland, they guard
A peaceful homeland is an honor
Embracing the two words 'Viet Nam'!
Author: Hong Soi
9.8.2018

9. Poem: WELCOMING YOU HOME
WELCOMING YOU HOME
By: Pham Hong Soi
Forty years of seafaring to guard the sea
A history of valor echoing heroic deeds
For ten years, comrades in arms, united in iron and will
Brave sacrifices for the day of reunification.
Many of my comrades have been lost
Laid to rest on the Southwest border battlefield
Until now, we do not know
Where you lie, in the deep forests and friendly waters.
We remember you, our hearts ache endlessly
Where are you now, dear friend?
You departed in your pristine white uniforms
Bearing the dreams of courageous souls!
You gave your youth without complaint
Your whole life for the motherland
You sacrificed for the nation's honor
Still awaiting your return to the motherland.
Even now, you lie silently
Resting in distant mountains and forests beloved by the motherland
Forty years have passed, tears still linger
In the eyes of aging mothers, awaiting.
Welcoming you home, as the country undergoes renewal
Embracing you with gratitude and reverence
Following your example, we find great necessity
Your fervor contributes to nation-building.
Surely, the soldiers guard the nation's borders
Protecting sovereignty over seas and islands, our homeland!
Author: Hong Soi
12.5.2018

10. Poem: HOMELAND'S PEACE
HOMELAND'S PEACE
By: Pham Hong Soi
The ship's horn tears the night apart
Dark clouds swirl with the wind
The angry sea with red eyes
Waves surging and roaring
The ship fades into the distance
Fragrance of love lingering in the wind
Roses just beginning to bloom
The wind gently carries on
In the vast expanse of the sea and sky
Weathering many storms
Swaying outside the islands
Guarding the tranquility
My dear! On the mainland
Keep the faith alive
The pulse of life and breath
Intertwines with the distant islands
This sea and islands are ours
Determined to protect
With unwavering dedication
To ensure the homeland's peace!
Author: Hong Soi
23.9.2017

11. Poem: FAREWELL TO YOU
FAREWELL TO YOU
By: Pham Hong Soi
Remembering the day we bid farewell
The fragrance of love weaved in the wind
Beneath the moonlight shining bright
We hurriedly parted ways
Tears brimming in the eyes
Lingering affection on the hair
The stars of the night restless
Our shadows... slowly fading away
You stay behind in our homeland
Caring for the elderly mother and young child
The promises made years ago
Rest upon the pillow where you lie
Then life will grow accustomed
Striving to fulfill obligations
Though occupied with work
Yearning for your voice through the phone
Times of peace amidst lurking war
Yet the enemy still lurks
Their schemes not yet abandoned
Stay vigilant, my dear
Amidst the vast expanse of the sea and sky
A hundred thousand raging waves
In the face of peril and death
Stand firm and heed my words!
Author: Hong Soi
18.9.2017

12. Poem: WHERE IS MOTHER'S SHADOW
WHERE IS MOTHER'S SHADOW
By: Pham Hong Soi
Mother's distant cries echo
Resonating within each silent hour
Throughout her life, endless nights of vigil
Days pass with the bitter taste upon her lips
Father, far away, distant and remote
In the land where the nation's coffers reside
In times of war, Mother yearns
For a unified, peaceful homeland
At home, tears fill Mother's eyes
In times of hardship, salted potatoes are the fare
She endures hunger, striving for her children
Sacrificing quietly, forgetting herself
Mother's life, though impoverished, is dignified
She remains steadfast, never faltering
Fulfilling her noble oath of love
Awaiting Father's return, immersed in affection
Waiting endlessly, tears haunt Mother
Memories flood back to village lanes of yore
Once upon a time, hand in hand, trembling
Gazing at the moon, stirring emotions
Now, autumn arrives, purple leaves fall in the courtyard
The old riverside dock, devoid of her figure
Sitting, awaiting her husband's return from afar
Mother's distant, yet ever-present shadow!
Author: Hong Soi
8.9.2018

13. Poem: MOON FESTIVAL WITHOUT FATHER
MOON FESTIVAL WITHOUT FATHER
By: Pham Hong Soi
This mid-autumn, father remains far away
For over a dozen years, I've received gifts from mother
Autumn night fades into the silent void
Mother's lonely figure, adrift in solitude
Streets filled with joy, yet mother and I are melancholic
Worries burdening our hearts
Out at sea, amidst rain and deserted waves
My father stays awake through the night
Mother's hair now graced with streaks of gray
Lines of worry etched around her eyes
Her youthful love, once vibrant and full
Awaits father's return, overflowing with affection
In the military, father, do not waver
Raise the cannon high, casting aside affection
Guard the borders, safeguard the peace of the seas and islands
We await the day of your return, amid the fireworks!
Author: Hong Soi
26.9.2017

14. Poem: YOU RETURN
YOU RETURN
By Pham Hong Soi
Oh! Nearly four decades, isn't it, my love?
The spring of life has quietly passed by
Those same years, distant and far away
Our beloved home restless through the night!
At this age, soldiers buzz with excitement
Feelings swirl as departure draws near
Years gone by, fulfilling every pledge
Responsibilities met, until this very day
You and your comrades firmly held hands
Sharing joys and sorrows, united in struggle
Military life, with a heart pure and true
Amidst hardships, living nobly
A lifetime of striving, fueled by aspirations
Decisions made, sighs of relief
No sadness in losing friendships
You return, enveloped in endless love!
Wishing you abundant health upon your return
Rekindle the youthful love within the family
Your presence fortifies the household
For the pillar of love has returned!
Your return brings no hesitation
Your comrades safeguard the borders and seas
Together, braving a thousand storms
Continuing to fulfill the assigned duties!
Author: Hong Soi
29.11.2017

15. Poem: MY LOVE, FORGIVE MY ERROR
MY LOVE, FORGIVE MY ERROR
By Pham Hong Soi
This spring, I'm still far away
Is home eagerly awaiting?
To embrace me under the new sun
But why do I not see myself there?
New Year's Eve, longing for so long
To be by your side, sharing our thoughts
With you back, our family's strength is renewed
Lost in the young love once again
Spring arrives, desires linger
Missing you amidst the stormy seas
Far away, can you understand?
My mother and I eagerly await
This spring, I've failed our child
Patrolling the seas, distant and wild
New Year's moment, our child softly says
'Daddy, promise,' but where are you?
Your absence has long brought tears
Hearing our child, my heart aches
Love for our child, I tightly embrace
Smiling through the pain
New Year's Eve echoes with cries
Sleeping, our child outside, you guard the sea
Messages from afar, filled with love and care
This spring, my love, forgive my error!
By Pham Hong Soi

16. Poem: SPRING RETURNS
SPRING RETURNS
By Pham Hong Soi
Spring has arrived, golden mornings in the South
Peach blossoms flaunt their hues in the North
Springtime nostalgia for battles fought
Welcoming Tet, poetic wishes from Uncle Ho.
The nation united, aiming for dreams
Independence, freedom, warmth, and happiness
Red flag with yellow star flies high
Unified country, shared rivers and mountains!
Spring arrives, and I remember my duty
Mother hums softly in the quiet night
Holding back longing, awaiting news of victory
When father returns, carrying lighter burdens.
Mother nurtures and looks towards the future
Every day passes with endless chores
Life's struggles, day and night, unending
Welcoming father home, mother's hair with dewdrops.
Continuing father's legacy, guarding borders
Faraway islands still echo mother's words
Despite hardships, overcome them, my child
Before the enemy, never retreat, my child.
Spring returns, holding steadfast promises
Our boat on the path of that year
Amidst the sea, dear mother, do you see?
The seagulls beckon, calling spring home!
By Pham Hong Soi
7.11.2017

17. Poem: WHITE NIGHT
WHITE NIGHT
By Pham Hong Soi
Midnight, a faint melody echoes
Empty alleys, deserted streets
Breeze sneaks through tiny cracks
Misty rain leaves lingering dewdrops
Bed embraces the lonely nights
Moon wears clouds on its solitary journey
Wharf, covered in moss, awaits the sunlight
Lonely moon awaits, missing the beloved!
By Pham Hong Soi
12.9.2017

18. Poem: JOY OF THE SEAFARER
JOY OF THE SEAFARER
By Pham Hong Soi
Oh dear, the sea in this season is so beautiful
Seagulls glide amidst the clouds
The joy of the seafarer abounds
Fish, shrimp, squid, and shellfish fill the hold
Evening falls, the sea tranquil, sunset purple
Stars illuminate the night sky
Sailing the seas in search
Of a passionate kiss sinking somewhere
Ship returns to port, rejoicing in a new day
Changes have come, different from before
Seafarers work diligently
Old love songs echo back
Guarding the sea for everlasting peace
Wives patiently await victorious husbands
Spring arrives, my dear, don't be angry
I miss you dearly, from afar!
By Pham Hong Soi
6.6.2017

19. Poem: AMID FRAGILE LIFE AND DEATH
AMID FRAGILE LIFE AND DEATH
(Dedicated to officers and soldiers of T792)
By Pham Hong Soi
The night falls quietly
Suddenly, the horn echoes
The ship is ready
Lining up awaiting the mission
Dark clouds swirling
Storms in the central region
Fierce waves abound
All ships united in purpose
Urgently to position
Heading to sea from port
Determined to reach
The Central Region in distress
Remember to observe with caution
Don't miss the target
Be cautious and remember
Rescuing lives above all
Though weary amidst the waves
Always striving to overcome
Never allowed to be negligent
Caution on duty is paramount
On the mainland, awaiting
Amidst fragile life and death
Praying for safety
For the ship to return swiftly to port
Those hoped-for moments arrived
Finding the fishermen
Reuniting with loved ones
Tears choked with emotion!
By Pham Hong Soi
13.11.2017

