1. Poem: Reminiscing School Days - Nghi Lâm
REMEMBERING SCHOOL DAYS
Poem by: Nghi Lâm
Though the days of carrying books are gone,
I still remember the school opening day long ago,
In the rain of an autumn morning,
We first met by the school’s front porch.
My hat tilted, gently hiding my hair,
While the long strands of hair brushed against my shoulders,
You made me lose my mind and dream,
My eyes locked in awe as I admired you.
Then I learned about the girl with rosy cheeks,
Who had just transferred to this school year.
We sat together in the same class,
Making my heart flutter in excitement.
Three years of high school, so many memories,
I walked you home on our shared path,
The innocent love of youth, so dear,
I could only hold your small hand gently.
Summer came again as the exam season began,
We studied together, two souls focused,
We promised each other a bright future,
Hoping to pass and walk down the same road.
But fate had other plans, on a dark afternoon,
You said goodbye and left me behind.
You forgot your promises, abandoning even the exam day,
To go far away to another place.
Now, looking back, I feel a deep sadness.
Thinking of you and the time we shared at school,
The years passed, but the memories linger,
I REMEMBER THE GIRL FROM THE SCHOOL OPENING DAY!


2. Poem: The First Lesson - Phan Thu Hà
THE FIRST LESSON
Author: Phan Thu Hà
The sun shines brightly on the small road,
Father takes his daughter to school.
Mother gives her a red rose,
As the flowers bloom, they fill the air with fragrance.
Watching her steps, so carefree,
Her eyes sparkling with rays of sunlight,
I am reminded of my own school days,
Innocent, just like a blank page.
One day, when you grow up,
Don’t forget today, my dear,
The first day I took you to school,
With both your father and mother by your side.
The sun gives you its rays,
The rose gives you its fragrance,
Your teacher will guide you,
Through the first lesson in school.
Your teacher will teach you to love your country,
She will teach you to love your people,
The first lesson you will always remember,
As you grow and spread your wings high.
Phan Thu Hà - 3/9/2018


3. Poem: Celebrating the New School Year - Trương Túy Anh
CELEBRATING THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR
Poem by: Trương Túy Anh
The drum beats... the sound echoes
The new school year begins, bringing joy
The phoenix trees in the school yard sigh
As they put on their new coats, autumn is here!
The cicadas fall silent,
The laughter and joy after the summer break fills the air.
Teachers and students bow their heads in greeting,
Wishing each other good health, and sharing kind sentiments.
Wishing my friends the very best,
A new school year full of confidence and strength.
Let’s be ready, my friends,
Study diligently and become even better.
In the breeze, the fragrant air blows,
Golden chrysanthemums bloom, butterflies fluttering around.
Together we reach for the blue sky,
Setting sail on the vast sea to weave our dreams...


4. Poem: Because My Mother Is a Teacher - Dạ Vũ
BECAUSE MY MOTHER IS A TEACHER
Poem by: Dạ Vũ
To my little daughter,
I send many apologies.
On this first school opening day,
I am unable to be by your side.
I cannot hold your hand
Like your friends' parents do,
Nor wait for you after school,
Because work at school keeps me busy.
I hope you won’t be upset,
When your grandfather picks you up.
When you say, "Mom, please come home early this afternoon,"
It tugs at my heart.
As I ride my bike, my heart feels heavy,
Because I am a teacher.
There are things you miss out on,
But listen to your wise mother, my dear.
Let's promise, hand in hand,
"Don't worry, Mom the teacher.
I’ll be a great student,
And we’ll paint a bright future together."
Dạ Vũ


5. Poem: The School Opening Day in the Highlands - Trần Diệu Hương
THE SCHOOL OPENING DAY IN THE HIGHLANDS
Poem by: Trần Diệu Hương
The drumbeat echoes through the highlands,
Stirring up emotions with every sound.
Eager footsteps follow the rhythm,
As the new school year arrives with joyful cheer.
Tears well up in my eyes,
As I think of each child,
Overcoming hardships,
Never missing a class in their quest for knowledge.
The sun rises, bringing excitement,
Welcoming the dawn of a new day.
The teachers are ready to greet their students,
Their green uniforms shining brightly in the village.
The school year begins,
The drum resounds through the air,
Flags wave proudly up high,
September 5th marks the day of celebration.
4 - 9 - 2018


6. Poem: End of Summer - Trần Đức Nghĩa
END OF SUMMER
Poem by: Trần Đức Nghĩa
The summer drum echoes,
As the school feels quieter.
The cicadas leave the phoenix trees,
Welcoming the new school year with excitement and order.
Friends share stories,
Recalling the joys and sorrows.
Three months apart have passed,
But today we meet again with bright smiles.
Those who are lazy lag behind,
But this year, let’s strive.
Let’s aim to reach the top,
Determined to conquer new heights.
With care, the teacher welcomes,
Setting up seats for us.
Sweat trickles from the teacher’s brow,
As classes begin, one after another, tirelessly.
How many times have we been reminded,
Gather here now.
The drum rings out with a message,
The summer is over, time to immerse ourselves in learning...


7. Poem: The White Shirt on the First Day of School - Nguyễn Lan Hương
THE WHITE SHIRT ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Author: Nguyễn Lan Hương
The drum had slept through the summer,
The trees stood still, silent as the cicadas disappeared.
The stone bench sat alone on the lawn,
The classroom waited, longing for the return of the white shirts.
Then, the sunshine brightened the month of September,
The school gates opened wide, welcoming autumn.
The old drum awakened,
Here comes the white shirt, the obedient one.
Bright eyes beamed with happiness,
Eager footsteps echoed on the first day.
The stone bench stirred as stories were shared,
Here comes the white shirt, still so endearing.
The school year began, the drum echoed,
The white shirts, though silent, were filled with anticipation.
Wishing the white shirts a new year,
Striving and practicing to fulfill their dreams.
31-8-2018


8. Poem: Remembering the First Day of School - Hoàng Minh Tuấn
REMEMBERING THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Poem: Hoàng Minh Tuấn
We walk through the years of childhood,
Yet, I still remember the days of school,
September arrives, and my heart is filled with excitement,
The first day of school remains unforgettable!
Flags and red flowers brighten the sky,
Laughter and joy echo as we meet,
A quiet handshake exchanged with a smile,
And the school bell rings... never to be forgotten!
Many years have passed, but the memories remain,
The national anthem sung together,
The principal's voice echoes as he gives the opening speech,
Applause ringing loud on the first day of school!
The golden autumn sun brings so many memories,
Childhood joy as we go to school, so joyful!
How many times has September come?
Yet, each time, I still long for it!
How I wish I could return to my youth,
To attend another first day of school,
To relive those childhood moments,
Just once more, to fulfill my longing!
Hà Nội, 4/9/2018


9. Poem: Going to School - Trịnh Thanh Hằng
GOING TO SCHOOL
Poem: Trịnh Thanh Hằng
The school bell rings,
The new school year begins,
Quickly now, let's go,
It's time for the first day of school.
The trees sway gently,
The red flags flutter in the sky,
And with the pure white uniforms,
We head to the first grade classroom.
Mom, I feel shy,
This isn't like kindergarten,
Older kids are here too,
And the teacher looks so serious.
My eyes wide, my lips pursed,
Following the steps in line,
One, two, hands by my side,
Waving my flag proudly as I march.
As a first-year student,
Today I join the school,
My heart filled with love and joy,
As mom and dad send me off with hopes for the future.
My teacher is so kind,
Her voice gentle and sweet,
She reminds me softly,
"Make sure you keep your line straight."
With sparkling eyes, I nod,
The bell rings once again,
Bang, bang, bang,
It’s time for the first grade class to begin.
Study well, be kind,
Teachers are just like parents,
And the school is your home,
Helping you reach for the stars.
Poem by Trịnh Thanh Hằng


10. Poem: A Father's Advice for University - Nguyễn Văn Chương
A FATHER'S ADVICE FOR UNIVERSITY
Written by: Poet Nguyễn Văn Chương - Hanoi, 1995.
Your father is no longer as strong
But if you are wise, life will teach you well
The burdens of life are ahead
No one can carry them for you, only you.
Though things are different now
Food, clothes, transportation
Rent, utilities, and books
No one will listen if you buy on credit.
Your father works hard for every penny
But you shouldn't just chase grades, or the diploma
Make sure to think carefully before making a move
And give your father peace of mind.
In the country, there are hundreds of universities
Each year, hundreds of thousands try to enter
But remember, don't forget your roots
Don't just follow the crowd, aspiring for fame.
If you fail, you can fix it
But if you lose your way, it's hard to fix
Our family may not have much, but we are wise
Your father's heart is full of worry and care for you.


