Top 20 Poems Celebrating Vietnamese Women on October 20th

MOTHER

Poem: Đỗ Trung Quân

This is dedicated to those who still have their Mother's grace

I won't wait until one day

When you're gone, then I'll realize and cry

Will the rivers flow back?

I panic before time's cruelty

Frantically rushing past your old age

Every day I feel more and more deserted

Who can grasp time?

Who?

I grow older each day

You age a little more each day

The silent journey toward sunset.

I won't wait until one day

Someone pins a rose on me

Then I'll gasp, realizing I've lost you

Every passing day, someone pins a rose on me

Such a beautiful flower - why the fear?

For ten years, I've been away from your embrace

Living freely like a bird

I write poetry for life and countless women

But have I ever written poetry for you, Mother?

Poems that overflow the soul

Pain - separation - sadness - happiness

There are footsteps that tread into our cruel hearts

Yet still, every night I stay awake to write poetry

I forget the old doorstep where you sat waiting

Your tears of old age that couldn't hold back

I'm lost in wandering footsteps

While your aged eyes quietly watch from behind

When the thorns of life draw blood from my feet

How many pass by?

How many stop?

Why are you so far away, Mother?

Anxious hearts have urged me to seek

But I remain indifferent

Today...

How many times have I stopped on familiar streets

Removing my hat to salute a passing funeral procession

Whose mother is lost?

Why does my heart tremble?

How long will that crying last

For my own?

This poem wishes to ignite a dawn

In your life that's been dark for years

Like a rose, this poem

I've prepared for the days

That will come!

MY MOTHER
Author: Hồng Soi

My mother's silhouette floats on the river
Immersed in cold, waiting, hoping, and longing
For years, nurturing dreams
Hoping her child grows up on the shore of glory

Her whole life carrying burdens
Gathering crabs, catching snails in the village pond to feed her child
Nights filled with weariness and fatigue
Lips pressed against cheeks, now only in dreams

For her child, she stays until now
Lonely days by the loyal shore
Autumn arrives, weaving memories
The silhouette of my mother walks with us

The sparkling sea under the moonlight
Marching on waves, paths of the past
Night dew on swaying leaves
Printing my mother's figure, morning and noon, alone

The homeland is now peaceful
My son carves the shadow of his mother, drifting far away
This sea and islands belong to us
Determined to protect the prosperous homeland

Returning on a sunny morning
The waves calm, the sea shore glistens
My mother waits every hour
Tears flow, eagerly awaiting news from her child!

SECRET WORDS
Poem by Chu Minh Khôi

In the past, with secret words
So many sweet flavors poured into the season of love
Gently drifting to the realm of ecstasy
Lips like sugarcane speaking of verdant things.

Now, you also have secret words
Far away, tongues wandering in circular shapes
If I understand, it's instant death
Wind blowing one way, words encircling another.

Now you cherish a lifetime
Releasing secret words into the sky, calling out your name
Namo, You! In a realm of your own
All broken pieces come full circle.

Realizing the secrets of life
Mountains are green teachings of grass and trees
Realizing the truth is here:
You are the doctrine, Buddha is the cloud at the end of the sky.

CMK 18.10.2018

COME VISIT SAIGON, MY DEAR
Poem by Nghi Lâm

In mid-October, come visit me, my dear
See Saigon with its dazzling radiant sun
Admire the streets celebrating the Day of Honor
Celebrating the Vietnamese Women in their glory

You've grown up and matured in the northern land
But you still remember much about the southern land
Where I am and the work I do
To bond with love and responsibility

In Hanoi, it's the season of memories
Each cold winter day feels chilly and aloof
But autumn has passed with distant dreams
Now the chrysanthemum blooms with pride

Come visit me, let your light shine
In the land of Southern Vietnam in mid-October
With a charming ao dai, so beautiful
With love shining bright like blossoming flowers

Surely, it will be joyful and exuberant
Because you are close beside me
Leaving behind days of longing with sparkling eyes
We merge together, intoxicated with happiness

Don't hesitate, now is the time
I need the warmth of your embrace
To feel the flutter of your presence
FROM YOUR BELOVED IN SAIGON!

LOVE FOR MY HOMELAND MOTHER!
Poem by Nguyễn Thị Khánh Hà

On Women's Day, my heart aches with longing
For my dear Mother, I yearn and ponder
Remembering times when the winds blew, Mother watched over
I couldn't be by her side, easing her troubles...

Mother used to say: Tears flow backward
Focus on your own life, my child
Love your children! Mother silently sacrifices
The nurturing grace, mountains and rivers pale in comparison to Mother...

Bearing the weight of childbirth, love as vast as the ocean
Mother's hair has turned gray, I've become a grandmother
Still yearning... to return once
To Mother's side, I'll be a good child...

Mother's Day, mine, and my grandchildren's
I hope Mother remains strong, lives long
Without her grandchildren! May Mother not be sad
In that distant place! Your grandchildren always remember you, Mother!!!

17/10/2018. Ma iLan.
(Dedicated to my dear Mother on Women's Day 20/10)

THE HEROIC SISTER IN MY HEART
Poem by NS Lâm Bình

'The wandering artist on the street'
Gathering life stories to build verses
Tales that echo through the past
Recounting pain in melancholic melodies
I wonder? Through centuries
Has anyone?
Known much about my Sister
The beautiful artist resembles the full moon
Her hair, silvered along the length of the country
Poetic words sung, but He never mentioned his wife
Sometimes I wonder?
Why do tears keep falling in our country...
Trying to swallow hidden scars, stirring nothing
Using songs to replace heart-wrenching screams

It is said...
One night... on the road marching alongside the outskirts
Advancing towards the city
Liberating Saigon, adorned with flags and flowers
Silently in the night, a forest of soldiers
Moving magically like cobras
Suddenly! A cry breaks the silent space...
Lost! My comrade!
The order came down... Stop the crying immediately
For this battle, many soldiers must sacrifice
The mothers from the North just sent their sons off to war
Tears... the scent of ripe rice from Mother still lingers on the soldier's uniform
The soldier's faces bewildered, staring into the vast, dark night...
My sister jerks, clutching her child one last time...
Quick reflexes, she covers the baby's mouth
The world seems to spin in a silent moment
The cries silenced... falling into the bleak night...
The cobra-like unit continues to slither in the silent night...
Only my Sister sits, embracing the child in silence...
Where are the tears for her to shed
Her strength has waned... head bowed... silently watching her child...
The little girl passed through many comrades' hands
As a solemn tribute to the sacrifice
...The city outskirts at night glitter with thousands of stars...
May I express gratitude to Mother Vietnam
In the Northern region, the rear follows the army's footsteps
Thanks to my Sister's peak moment making history
Only then can some return to Mother today.

Unload the deep sorrow in Anh's heart
Songs about Mother emerge from here
Do you ever know? The artist's sentiments
The depth of loss only fully expressed in emotion
With boundless words within feelings
To present to life the songs of honor
But! My Sister will forever remain unnamed
Unlike those who boast loudly
That's enough, Sister! Only us, who always stand by you
This life is still very dear
You and Anh are two bright stars
Forever shining in the hearts of admirers

The soldiers of the Ancient Capital of Hoa Lư
Surely proud to be part of the army that night
... liberating Saigon
I return to visit the Ancient Capital
Please sing the song of Liberation Avenue
And for Sister, it's an endless song
The journey back to the source, seeking the Heroic Vietnamese Mother!

P/S (Based on the true story of musician Phạm Minh Tuấn and artist Hồng Cúc)
'Lyrics from the song Hanoi Street'

HCM 18/4/2018

THE MODERN CINDERELLA
Poem by Phan Thu Hà

With such beauty, could I not die
A gentle demeanor bewilders life
Is it you... or Cinderella
Just stepping out from the fairy tale

Rich in pink lotus, lips like flowers
Slender hands adorned with ivory rings
The hem of the dress, the banks of the Cầu River, the Đuống River
Here's Cinderella... skip a beat

Now you're back, Cinderella, bold and strong
Caring for a weary figure through rain and shine
Once a thatched hut, muddy feet, dirty hands
Taking sweetness into the fragrant fruit

Grant me once to be your prince
Lull in the peach blossom swing, entangled
Gold image, you... oh virtuous one
'If it's fate, come back... my dear... my wife'

The Hanoi sky dyes your dress green in autumn
Or is it someone who makes fairy tales
The Cinderella of the past returns to real life
Why am I surprised... as if in a dream...

Phan Thu Hà

THANKS TO YOU
Poetry by Ho Viet Binh

Thanks to you, I dream happily
Loving life and loving the verses
Less worry, less wandering thoughts
Because you tell me to be like that.

Thanks to you I become stronger
Knowing how to face difficulties
Because life has things impossible
We must live together, must accept, my dear.

Thanks to you I become rich
Rich in love, rich in humanity in life
Knowing to share, feeling relieved
Because you say I am generous.

Thanks to you, my poetry often soars
Very real in life, not empty wandering
And I say: you are truly amazing
Thank you - Vietnamese woman.

LET YOUR HEART BE STILL .
Poetry by Truong Tuy Anh

This evening the northern wind blows
Mist hangs thick, enveloping the heart
Towards the North, I gaze
At the border where my beloved stands
You traverse every path
Patrolling the border, thick with salty mist
The leaves rustle underfoot
Stepping on moss-covered rocks
I remember you, alone in your struggle
As a soldier's wife, resigned to sacrifice
Many nights I lie awake alone
Longing to follow the beautiful moon to your side
This month, the rice ripens, turning gold
After harvesting, I'll lead the piglets
Without you, I long and ache
I always try to ease the burden on my parents
Caring for the elderly in your absence
Fulfilling the duty of filial piety, our home warm and cozy
As the moon falls on the doorstep
I finish knitting the shirt, sending it to you
My love, a blazing fire
Keeping you warm through the passing years.

MY SISTER'S SORROW
Poetry by Hien Minh

My dear sister!
What are you thinking? Your eyes are distant
Is it true? For many nights, sleepless
Dark circles under your eyes, speaking volumes
Oh, my dear sister! Your suffering knows no bounds

You married young, not yet twenty
Barely a month in, your husband enlisted
Leaving you... with a budding womb
A child is born, father unknown
Thus you raise the child, caring for mother in lieu of husband

After four years, news arrives of your husband's death
You continue raising the child, playing both mother and father
A daughter in your arms, eyes weary
A son in the village, longing for his sister
You are praised... for your courage and fidelity
As a martyr's wife... solace finds you, my dear sister

Yet today, you seem truly distressed
Sad because... your daughter-in-law doesn't understand
The warmth of our old home... where is it?
Though the war has passed... the pain lingers
Gone now... the joy of my sister
Enough! Take care of yourself, my dear...
Your husband will be happy... to see you smile
SG, October 18, 2018
Poetry: Hien Minh

THE VIETNAMESE WOMAN
Poem by Le My Huong

The Vietnamese woman
'Heroic, indomitable, virtuous, and capable'
Deserving of the eight golden words
That Uncle Ho bestowed.

In times of war
Women accept silent sacrifices
Suppressing their heart's desires for the call of the homeland
Bidding farewell as you depart
I send my youthful years along the length of the country
Many years waiting for peace, silently wishing
Hoping for your return to reunite with family.

The Vietnamese woman in peacetime
Capable, dynamic, skillful in many ways
Enduring hardship and toil beyond measure
Her smile still radiates gentle beauty and grace

Women also contribute to the glorious victories
On the podium of honor
With the medals they receive
Bringing fame to the land of Vietnam
Standing shoulder to shoulder with international friends

How beautiful and adorable is the image of the Vietnamese girl!
Graceful in the traditional Ao Dai, painting a beautiful rural picture
Beautiful to the core, captivating
Like the sunshine of a new dawn

Oh Vietnamese girl, you are the source of light
Illuminating his life through winter nights
Together sharing, overcoming storms and hardships
Bestowing happiness, nurturing our love with fragrant hues

The Vietnamese girl, whether in the South or the North
Radiantly beautiful without being flashy or haughty
Complete in her prowess in both national and domestic affairs
Such beauty, no pen can fully describe

Oh gentle and intimate Vietnamese girl
Proud of you - the girl I love
The Vietnamese woman, delicate beauty
Like the flowers of the land and sky, forever bright.

SERENDIPITY
Poem by Khanh An

Mistaken identity...
Called out - a mix-up
Unexpectedly led to
A deep and sweet connection.
A simple mistake blossomed into flowers
YOU and I became US with OURSELVES.

Your enchanting smile for sale
I buy with the song you sing... 'today we're destined'.
Adoring those rosy cheeks like coins
Lost in you, I forget the way home.

Like a spell, your traditional song captivates
Just like you - I'm also a country boy from this land,
Meeting you, I wish from now on
We'll plant together, morning and night hand in hand.

To bring joy to our parents' hearts
Thanks to you suggesting - I plant mulberry trees
In the corner of the garden beside your path
Meeting you, the trees silently express love.

THE VIETNAMESE WOMAN
Poem by Phan Hoang

Here the Vietnamese woman stands
Hair like flowing clouds, gentle and charming
Sparkling eyes shining bright
Tilting her hat, a smile blossoms like flowers

Through the ages, at home and in nation
Shouldering responsibilities with great courage
Uncle Ho bestowed the 'eight golden words'
Commending the heroic Vietnamese women!

In ancient times, Lady Trieu, the Trung Sisters
Defeated northern invaders with martial prowess
Vanquishing foes, liberating the land
Sisters Khai, Sau... heroes of today

Dedicating their minds, their hands
In business, production, and agricultural work...
So many talented women
Contributing to the prosperity of the homeland

Faithful, steadfast, bound by loyalty
How beautiful are the women of our country!

PH

HIS MOTHER

By Xuân Quỳnh

Not just his, but our mother dear

She's the mother of us all, that's clear

She didn't birth or raise just him

But thanks to her, our lives aren't dim

Once her cheeks were rosy bright

She stayed up with him through every plight

Now her hair is white as snow

While his remains dark, a contrast so

No more does she walk the familiar path

To distant markets, carrying a heavy wrath

She loved him and his every stride

Like her own feet, weathered with time's tide

Her lullabies from ages past

Blend with his poems, memories amassed:

Of pomelo and lemon flowers' scent

Of village yards, da trees, and content

Don't mimic the verses, they say

Return truthfully to love's way

She doesn't despise, please see

Loving him, she's a daughter to be

She continues the song's refrain

To soothe him through each worry, each strain

Singing of our love so true

In the vast expanse of azure hue

Amidst a thousand blooms and streams

In a boundless love for the mother who dreams

Recalling those days of yore

She bore him so that now, she gives me more.

I AM A VIETNAMESE DAUGHTER

Poem by: DawnI am a daughter of VietnamResilient and strong, always I amIn wartime, I faced fire and strifeIn peacetime, I thrive in life's rife.Happiness, sorrow, joy, I bearNo matter the hunger, the poverty I wearI smile like a flower in bloomI harbor no grudges, no tales of gloomFor I am a Vietnamese womanSweet virtues in me, pure and trueDay and night, I tend to my kinIn sun or rain, without complaint I spinNoble in deeds, gracious in speechGrateful to life, lessons it'll teachThrough trials and tribulations, life's twists and turnsI navigate without regret, without concern.

WIFE

Poem by: Nguyen Duy Nhue

There are times when the chaos fades, and we lean on you

like a ship moored to its motherland,

life silent, life roaring,

returning to you, we find ourselves again.

The world seems vast, but it's revealed small and narrow,

amidst the journey, there are still petty people.

You lift us up when we're weary,

every time we brace for a blow,

There's a home, there's a love,

we become rich and prosperous,

you're like a sunken island brimming with treasure,

we reserve for times of peril.

There were times when faith faltered,

we clung to your love to rise again,

we flee loneliness with your kindness and generosity,

every time life feels bleak, we think of you...

Your home is simple,

but amidst storms, you shelter all,

even us, though wild,

when we return, quietly, as dutiful husbands...

AND I EXIST

Poetry by: Lưu Quang Vũ

Amidst the vast roads of human journeys

A wide city, a distant lake in the windy afternoon

Days quickly turn the garden trees to shed their leaves

When the train is crowded, I miss a long journey

There's only one person staying with me

When I'm absent, that person often waits, awake

When I suffer, only that person comes to my side

I find solace beside the warmth of affection

That person is only happy when I'm free from worries

When I'm lost, you guide me back

When weary days seem to weigh me down

You are the morning, the youth of mine

When falsehoods surround us

Those hands shield and protect

I'm grateful, you, from the land of sand and wind

Come to me, a small yellow flower

I become useful because of you

I learn to live fearlessly

Like a gardener, like a weaver

Days of life often become days by your side

I know love isn't boundless

Like sunlight, we won't live forever

Like verses, who knows if they'll be read again

Who knows what tomorrow holds

People change, years pass by

In this fragile and changing world

'I love you, and I exist'

You're mine, the gentle warm shoulders

The one who stirs the kitchen every evening, who wakes up to dewy mornings

You're there, life no longer seems daunting

You're there, a reliable hand

A hand that's always red from daily washing

The sad eyes of a land with much rain

The dim light flickering at the window

I've gotten so used to you, yet you're still unfamiliar when I call your name.

THE BLOSSOMING HEART

Poetry by: Lâm Thị Mỹ Dạ

The heart has several parts of sorrow

Several parts of joy, remembrance, and longing

The part loving you, sent to me

And the hopeful part, you reserved for our child

Several parts of waiting, weariness

Your mother received them in her youth

Who in the old days had the loyalty

Yet why did Mother endure all the pain alone

Waterfalls, deep rivers, all turbulent

Mother steered through storms, all alone

Sadness and worry, Mother hid within

Raising you inside, Mother hoped each day

Whose eyes did Mother gaze upon

Countless nights, tears filled, oh Mother

When you greeted the world with your voice

Mother's heart thought it withered, then bloomed anew

In this modern dream, vast and wide

Hearts beat until the calm of tomorrow

Mother gives you her heart, my love

A loving heart, a warm embrace, my dear

The blossoming heart amidst life

Our children sing the lullabies Mother whispered

Blue is the color of autumn

Bright gold is the rice, the mist is clouded

Day and night, exchange turns

The heart remains a vessel, full and bright red

Even when life ceases

Mother's heart still loves, between earth and sky.

LULLABY FOR MY DAUGHTER

Poetry by: Đỗ Trung Lai

Ah, my dear, sleep soundly now

Blankets laid, I'll draw the curtains for thou

Half of my life, with waters and hills

You're just one, I, forty years still

Half my life, reversing, forwards

Tonight, I watch you laugh in dreams' cords

Red lips, white teeth, hair so fine

From me, the blood, from mother, the design

The heavens grant future traits benign

Praying for skillful hands, gentle and kind

In the night, you breathe gently

Praying for you to avoid poverty

Sleep well, my child, and fear not reliance

May the world steer clear of illiance

Virtue lies within our hearts

Stronger than demon's deceitful arts

My love for you is pure

Praying for goodness to lead your lure

Do not covet superficial charm

The eternal sky has naught that's old and harm

Boat full, vast river, deep tide

If it comes, when aged heads abide

Love poetry as you love flowers

But not too much, as a father loves hours

At home, know to mend and sew

Outside, avoid teasing, mocking's low

My dear, entrusted to life's flow

A loyal heart is more precious than gold

It's said, if one falls, the other lifts

Then through all challenges, one swiftly sifts

Accompanying you through your youthful prime

Life is fleeting, I, old age's clime

Now and in the future, when heaven calls

These words, a gift, to you, my all

Ah, the blood, as red as vermilion

In years to come, will you recall, my darling?

A POEM FOR MOTHER

Poem: Đinh Thu Hiền

Away from mother, I become a child again

Is mother sleeping soundly now?

In Hanoi, the northern winter wind blows

I sit, counting the changing seasons

I'm sure the house feels very empty without me

Who listens to the music I love?

The school route I often take

Surely dust has settled, what's left?

My hair has grown long by now

Without me, does mother let her hair down?

Joy passes through a sheet of paper

Sadness stands still, silent

A poem I dedicate to others

Writing about mother is no easy task

In the deep streets, the northern winter wind blows

In me, mother's shadow is sweet