1. WHITE ORCHID
Poem by Phan Huy Hùng
Spring sky sprinkles drifting rain
White orchid spreads arms longing
Which raindrop just landed
On the fragrant blossom of New Year's Eve?
Flowers whisper tales of old
New Year's Eve winds pierce through
Parents just lined the nest
Lying curled with bare back...
Now grandchildren roll off the bed
Thirty-first night's warmth in sleep
Tomorrow's smile on the first day
Incense lit to welcome parents!
Yesterday's thread connects
Today parents arrive
Family ancestors just appeared
Waving to grandchildren - New Year's Eve.
White orchid laughs in dreams...


2. DAY OF MERGENCE
Poem by Tự Hàn
(Dedicated to Ms. Thúy's birthday)
Celestial joy,
Earth gleams with the essence of spring,
Flowers compete in hues,
Swallows frolic in the cheerful breeze.
On the last day of the year's gathering,
The Ninh Kiều pier gazes upon the vast river's flow,
Contemplating the vastness of the Western capital's sky.
On the last day of the year's gathering,
A star tumbles from the heavenly realm,
Shining brightly over Cần Thơ,
The city is ablaze with blossoms,
An angelic beauty in the quintessence of charm.
On the last day of the year's gathering,
The Huê melody meanders along the Cái Lớn River,
Út Trà Ôn's voice resonates through Phụng Hiệp,
White storks sway gracefully, beckoning the dawn.
*
Following the footsteps of the Eastern carpet vendor,
In the land of red soil,
The scent of pepper permeates the air,
Spring in Lộc offers affectionate sentiments,
Amidst the poetic songs,
An angel dreams atop the Chứa Chan mountain,
A blue-white dress delicately adorns innocent lips.
On the last day of the year's gathering,
Golden sunbeams wander aimlessly,
Guiding spring through bustling golden alleys,
Hearing the buds burst forth,
Oh, the tender moment I cherish...


3. MOMENT OF TRANSITION...
Poetry by Trần Lộc
The clock hands laboriously move,
Transitioning to the final moment,
Crossing over to the milestone,
Eyes shimmering with sacredness.
The moment of transition halts,
Earth and sky seem to slow down,
Hearing Lộc's pulse hesitate,
Overflowing with spring's affection.
Wishing for eternal youthfulness,
Wishing for family's prosperity,
May the nation remain steadfast,
Human bonds warm and abundant.
A fleeting stir in the heart,
Harmonizing with the heavens and earth,
Fragrant flowers' colors overflow,
Hints of spring dust...
Hải Lộc.01.2020


4. NEW YEAR
Poetry by Phạm Tân Dân
Thirty evenings of December streets serene,
Abuzz with laughter beneath coconut trees' sheen,
Today indulges freely in the reunion's delight,
Country and family blend in love's ancient light.
Young birds whisper, seeking their nest's embrace,
To the apricot lane, where the breeze finds its space,
Perhaps unable to ferry across, love's journey missed,
Fortune's envoy warms, affection gently kissed.
Returning in twilight to parents' side,
Old age exchanged, welcoming the new tide,
Flash! Fireworks ignite the scene,
Peaceful Canh Tý, amidst spring rain's sheen.


5. WISHES...
Poetry by Tran Duy Hanh
Beginning of a new day as Spring arrives
Soul ecstatic, joyous near and far
New Year's Eve resounds with jubilant tunes
Opening hearts, generations gather
Firstly, wishing for peace and prosperity throughout the country
Under the sky, the flute's melody fades
The blue sea, white clouds, pink sun, tranquil and serene
Long roads connect every corner
Exchanging greetings, meeting members of every household
Celebrating the joy of encountering oneself
Spring reunites, Tet arrives, a shower of ... congratulations
Time cannot stop
Four seasons continue their cyclical dance
The Year of the Rat is truly fortunate
Receiving good wishes on the first day of the year
(19/01/2020)


6. Melody of New Year's Eve
Poetry by Pham Thi Hong Thu
My love!
A sacred moment
The guitar resonates
The heart is excited
The wind and rain of the past year have passed
Spring comes in its splendor
Heaven and earth
Are in ecstasy
My love!
Spring comes to every home
Joy is approaching
The harmony of yin and yang
People's hearts shine brightly to guide the way
Love spreads
The sun
Is fulfilling its duty
My love!
Spring lasts forever...


7. Contemplating New Year's Eve
Poetry by Truong Tuy Anh
Glowing fireworks illuminate the night
The moment of New Year's Eve reminiscing the Year of the Pig
Welcoming the prosperity of the Year of the Rat to every home
Heaven and earth intertwine to welcome the New Year
This sacred moment is profoundly wonderful
Everyone joyfully cheers and sings
Embracing love, living harmoniously
Erasing past sorrows and pain
Loving couples exchange tender kisses
Pledging eternal fidelity
Hearts flutter with excitement, overflowing with love
Their love blends with the nation
Youthful spirits dance to the beat of drums
Generation 2020, here we are
Youthful as fresh saplings, ready to contribute
Offering youthful energy to build our nation
Sipping tea leisurely
Admiring the blooming apricot flowers tonight
Emotions fragrantly infused into verses
After the rooster crows... awaiting the dawn.
1/2020.


8. Arrival of Spring
Poetry by Pham Hong Soi
(Dedicated to the officers and soldiers on duty aboard ships in the Southwest Sea of the Fatherland during Tet)
Welcoming the New Year amidst the vast sea,
Navy soldiers blend with the waves,
The sea at night sheds every fierce wind,
Still standing tall as spring arrives.
Land ahoy! Seamen pledge loyalty!
Keeping peace in the homeland's waters,
Our forefathers have built the nation for millennia,
Now we vow to march forward to the end.
Spring has come, mingling with sparkling waves,
Ever faithful by the shore, naval ships,
Singing the celestial song of changing seasons,
Yearning for a bit of spring's scent as Tet approaches.
The ships, still tirelessly on duty,
The nation's flag flutters in the wind,
The blood of our ancestors still flows within us,
Urging us to keep the sea forever peaceful!
20.01.2020


9. New Year's Eve Moment
Poetry by Phan Thu Ha
Spring arrives, outside birds chirp joyfully,
Golden apricot blossoms bloom brilliantly,
Thin mist hangs lightly, like gentle smoke,
A faint breeze beckons the season's arrival.
The sacred moment of New Year's Eve,
The night street intoxicated with incense,
The temple courtyard faintly adorned with white lilies,
Deeply resonating, the bell continues to chime.
A young girl plucks lucky omens,
Gathering fallen petals in the temple yard,
Her fragrant hair scented with magnolia,
Captivating the hearts of admirers in awe.
Lost in thought, a traveler from afar,
Tears welling for a homeland left behind,
In the poignant moment of New Year's Eve,
The heart suddenly swells with emotion.
Gathered close, heaven and earth,
Sharing heartfelt sentiments over a cup of wine,
Secretly praying for a couple of wishes,
Suddenly recalling the red firecrackers of yesteryears.
Through many springs, through many arrivals,
Each spring, each age,
Still like a small poem in a fleeting moment,
The moment of convergence between heaven and earth.


10. To the Girl from Bac Lieu
Poetry by Nguyen Duc
From the distant oceanic isles,
The scent of spring beckons, stirring memories of you.
The Bac Lieu girl, elegant and demure,
Gentle and charming, with a soft demeanor.
A poor countryside, one sun, two mists,
Year-round toiling in the fields and gardens.
In the evening, you sang your folk songs,
A melancholic melody that lingers in hearts.
I've cherished you since we were ten,
Childhood memories etched, never to fade.
Before our hands could intertwine,
I had to depart for military duty.
We bid farewell, lost in a daze,
Promising to reunite once my duty is done.
Almost three years have passed,
Yet you remain steadfast, silently waiting for me.
When my mission is accomplished,
Our parents will arrange our destined union.
As spring transitions into the new year,
Comrades gather on New Year's Eve, embracing.
I send you wishes overflowing with love,
May the new year bring joy as we await our reunion.
Wishing happiness to our parents and neighbors,
May every home be filled with peace and contentment.


11. Dream of Spring
Poem by: Nguyen Minh Triet
This spring, I have you by my side
Like rain in a sunny summer day
It's truly miraculous, a wonder so rare
After decades, we thought we had lost each other
New Year's Eve, watching fireworks fill the sky
A moment of transition, serene and still
Engulfing the soul in a dreamlike state
Earth and sky shifting in harmony
Everywhere adorned with colorful blooms
Welcoming spring, you and I walk together
Fulfilling our hearts' desires of years past
Overflowing... warmth encompasses our souls
This spring, joy arrives in jubilation
The thirtieth night bustling at the doorstep
The clock of time has struck
The sky aglow with fireworks
Spring gracefully returns to our land
Cities adorned in new attire
Amidst the jubilant crowds
Hand in hand... happiness surrounds us
The ancient town of Hoi An shimmering on the full moon night


12. REMINISCING HOMELAND IN DISTANT SPRING
Poem by Nguyen Hong Linh
You flaunt your new dress
Welcoming the arrival of spring
Spring is lush, verdant
Joyously, your figure is gentle and graceful
Missing Mom bidding farewell on a spring afternoon... parting
Spring in the foreign land, I miss Mom, miss my homeland
Golden apricot blooms brightly
In the garden, suddenly there's cheer
Peach blossoms are vibrant
Your rosy cheeks are fresh
Remembering my younger siblings around Mom by the hearth
Wrapping green square cakes, laughter fills the air
New Year's Eve, fireworks resound
Bustling everywhere
You visit the temple
Praying for luck and peace
Remembering Grandpa, Grandma's lucky money, bringing joy all year
Remembering Dad, wishing blessings and peace for everyone
The bell rings, greetings exchanged
Wishing for countless blessings
Happiness fills the air
Raising a toast, sweet wishes
Remembering the red couplets, where are Grandpa's calligraphy scrolls?
The drums beat, lions dance joyfully in the courtyard
This spring, far from home
I miss Mom, miss my hometown
Miss you so much, dear spring!
I still haven't returned
A song of love for my longing heart
Distant spring hears the echo of my yearning...


13. NEW YEAR'S EVE NIGHT
Poem by Nguyen Dinh Khoi
Thirty at night, seated behind son's car
Leisurely strolling amidst Hanoi's crowd
Streets packed solid, yet everyone seems in a rush
New Year's Eve moment awaiting at Hoan Kiem Lake
Streets aglow, rows of green trees radiant
Buildings dazzling, red banners ablaze
People jostling, faces shining bright
Pink peach blossoms flaunt beauty with apricot flowers
Seven Mausoleum, Hoan Kiem Lake sparkling
Lakeside pavilions, water ripples, flower flags
Outdoor stages bustling with music and dance
Still bustling, countless people streaming in
Thirty-six streets seem freshly dressed
No buying or selling, people happily roam
Hang Luoc, Dong Xuan,...people vibrant with fresh flowers
Red River gently flows, reflecting bridge shadows
Clusters of lights like shooting stars across West Lake
Glistening lines of Truc Bach's colorful lanterns
Whispering pairs, elegant youths
Willow hair fluttering, enchantingly lost
Flags and flowers. And the pink glow of Ba Dinh Square
A thousand hearts beating in unison at Ba Dinh Square
A filial city offering incense. Remembering Him, Heaven and Earth
The square vast and resplendent
Rows of cherry blossoms blazing along Bac Son Street
Amidst fragrant smoke, the scent of Martyrs' Monument
Coconut trees, bamboo roots facing the source
Gone...lost, sadness...joy. And many tonight don't rest
Such beautiful streets - Lieu Giai, the long stretch - Giai Phong
Tall buildings race, casting shadows over blue lakes
Successive squares bustling with the wind blowing
Adding to the lively scene, Thuy Khue Spring Street, Truong Chinh...
We send our hearts into the purple sugar canes
Younger sister bringing luck on New Year's Eve
We send our souls into the red peach blossoms
Along with dreams... amidst myriad fireworks


14. THE LEGEND OF BÁNH CHƯNG AND BÁNH DẦY
By Nguyễn Văn Ruyến
In the era of the sixth Hung King,
After triumphing over the Ân invaders,
The King contemplated passing down the throne,
Right on the festive occasion of Spring.
With many heirs, each astute and wise,
Skilled and diligent in their respective roles,
Exhibiting Integrity, Courage, and Humanity,
How to choose? A matter of objective selection.
The King devised a miraculous plan,
To seek offerings to present to his father,
A sincere heart, filial piety abound,
Sacred and dignified, with a hint of sweetness.
The princes hurriedly set out,
Exploring far and wide,
Countless precious and exotic items,
Vying to fill each household to the brim.
Except for the 18th son,
Known as Prince Lang Liêu,
With scanty gold and silver possessions,
Yet abundant in filial piety.
Lang Liêu's offering was presented,
Seeing it, the King inquired curiously,
'What is this, my dear son?
Explain, so everyone may understand.'
'I received a divine revelation,' he recounted,
To make cakes round and square in shape,
From beans, meat, onions, and glutinous rice,
Named Bánh Dầy and Bánh Chưng, with grace.
Round and square symbolize Heaven and Earth,
Also embodying the parents' sacrifices,
To be remembered for generations to come,
Every Lunar New Year, as Spring arrives.
Truly a miraculous phenomenon,
The King nodded approvingly,
Deciding to pass down the precious throne,
To Prince Lang Liêu, gloriously.
And since that day,
The tradition of Bánh Chưng and Bánh Dầy began,
Preparing offerings to worship the Ancestors,
Celebrating Spring with fervor and elation.
Ninh Bình, 29th of Tết.


15. THE MOMENT OF NEW YEAR'S EVE
Poetry by Nguyễn Thị Hồng Hạnh
New Year's Eve, the moment of transition,
Bidding farewell to the old, welcoming the new, hearts aflutter.
New Year's Eve, a time of hopeful longing,
For all things good and beautiful to come into every home.
New Year's Eve, back then, with father,
We children eagerly awaited gifts on New Year's Day.
All year long, anticipating this moment,
To celebrate father's birthday at the beginning of spring.
New Year's Eve, now still joyous,
The whole family reunites to welcome the new spring.
In place of father, children light incense,
Offering respect to ancestors, initiating a new year.
New Year's Eve, a gathering of family in red,
The tradition's beauty remains everlasting.
New Year's Eve, heaven and earth in bliss,
Warmth of reunion in the early days of the year.
January 19, 2020


16. NEW YEAR'S EVE
Poetry by Phan Huy Hùng
Out with the old, in with the new,
The clock's hands swiftly pass by.
New Year's Eve,
Sacred moment as the pen starts to write,
A verse touching upon your elusive presence.
Oh, the blank paper in the night,
Suddenly, the heart races with haste.
Outside, spring blossoms,
Within, a gentle whisper,
Me,
You,
Love ...!


17. GOLDEN WORDS!
Poetry by Dương Quốc Nam
On New Year's Eve, we leave the past behind,
Sharing, rejoicing, welcoming the spring.
We meet with golden words shining bright,
Celebrating the joyful spring festival with love.


18. WELCOMING SPRING II
Poetry by HOANG MINH TUAN in LỤC BÁT form
Spring arrives across the homeland,
Chung cakes, cylindrical glutinous rice cakes adorn every corner,
Year-end gatherings warm and cozy,
Every home gathers around tables filled with abundance.
Spring arrives, awakening the grass and trees,
Buds sprout, filled with the essence of spring,
Melodious bird songs echo,
Gardens bloom with gentle fragrance.
Spring arrives, the sun also beams,
Blanketing the nation, yet desires remain unfulfilled,
The essence of spring, flavors intense and profound,
The marvelous days of spring spread a rosy glow.
Spring arrives, wishing well for the whole year,
Everyone seeks health and peace,
Sickness and ailments vanish,
Health flourishes, immersed in love and care.
Spring arrives, wishing prosperity for the land,
Comprehensive renewal for the people's reliance,
Hoping for our Vietnam,
Peace and stability for thriving endeavors.
Spring arrives, dreams linger,
Yearning and longing stir the soul,
New Year's Eve, hearts flutter,
Basking in the sweet fragrance of Tet's arrival!
Hanoi, January 13, 2020


19. WELCOMING TET
Poetry by HOANG MINH TUAN in LỤC NGÔN form
Spring arrives, villages bustling,
Celebrating the festive air of spring,
Every home with Chung cakes and cylindrical glutinous rice cakes,
Year-end gatherings warm and cozy.
Spring arrives, awakening the grass and trees,
Buds sprout, blooming with flowers,
The land and sky adorned in vibrant spring colors,
Birds chirp joyously.
Spring arrives, roses radiant under the sun,
Stretching across our Vietnam,
The essence of spring brimming with fragrance and colors,
Bright and graceful spring days.
Spring arrives, wishing each other happiness,
Abundant prosperity throughout the year,
Joy, peace, and good health,
Sickness and ailments wished away.
Spring arrives, celebrating for the nation,
Peaceful renewal for the land,
Prosperity and growth ceaselessly advancing,
Instilling confidence in the people's hearts.
Spring arrives, as it always has,
Yet why do we reminisce and long,
As the seconds transition to the new year,
Tet arrives, forever filled with sentiment!
Hanoi, January 13, 2020


20. IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT MONEY
Poetry by: Hoàng Minh Tuấn
When Tet comes, it's not just about money
Peaceful moments should also be considered
A simple meal brings contentment without restraint
Drinking moderately is always advisable
Sobriety is preferred by all for safety
Excess intoxication garners no praise
Enjoying Tet requires careful planning
When Tet comes, it's not just about money
Hanoi, 7/1/2020

