Top 10 Best Analytical Essays on 'Sang thu' by Author Huu Thinh

At the end of 1977, after the war had ended and peace was restored, on a serene autumn afternoon, the poet visited an orchard on the outskirts of Hanoi. The aroma of ripe guava filled the air, with a sweet, delicate fragrance... a moment of surprise and gentle nostalgia overwhelmed him, inspiring the poet to pen his poem 'Sang thu'. In the golden glow of the sunset, the poem was born. Imagine standing in the guava orchard with the poet, softly reciting his beautiful verses.

"Suddenly I notice the scent of guava

Wafting into the cool breeze

The mist slowly creeps through the alley

It seems that autumn has arrived"

The river flows lazily

The birds begin to hurry

A summer cloud lingers

Half of it crossing into autumn"

There's still some sunlight left

The rain gradually fades away

The thunder becomes less surprising

On the aged trees"

The poem is written in a five-syllable verse form, concise and powerful. The entire poem has a soft tone, sometimes reflecting deep thoughts. It expresses the poet's emotional response to nature as autumn settles in, painting a vivid picture of the changing season. At the poem's start, the reader immediately senses the poet's fine sensitivity to the arrival of autumn:

"Suddenly I notice the scent of guava wafting into the cool breeze".

The word "suddenly" conveys an unexpected, spontaneous realization, making the moment even more poetic and endearing. On a peaceful autumn afternoon in the rural northern villages, the poet catches a whiff of something—the scent of ripe guava. Why guava? Why not other fragrances? While one could associate autumn with the sweet smell of lotus or green rice cakes, the poet chose guava. In the midst of the orchard, with the final days of summer transitioning to autumn, he detects the tangy yet sweet fragrance of the golden guavas, a simple, rustic scent that evokes deep nostalgia for his homeland. Though few may notice its allure, the poet's keen senses of sight and smell make him acutely aware of the subtle signs of autumn's return. We are moved by his "sudden realization". Surely, the poet must have a deep bond with nature and his homeland to be so sensitive to such details.

Other signs of the season change are captured in the breeze carrying the guava fragrance. The "cool breeze" refers to the gentle, slightly chilly wind, often known as the 'heo may' wind. This wind stirs the landscape and fills the heart with a sense of quiet longing. The verb "waft" used in the line "Wafting into the cool breeze" is particularly striking, perfectly capturing the wind's subtle speed, as it conveys the suddenness of the poet's realization that something familiar has quietly returned.

The shift of seasons is further represented by the mist creeping through the alley:

"The mist slowly creeps through the alley".

The phrase "slowly creeps" evokes several associations. The poet personifies the mist, describing its deliberate and unhurried movement as it passes by, weaving its way through the alley. The mist seems almost graceful, reminiscent of a young woman moving with elegance and slowness. Moreover, the phrase "slowly creeps" also reflects a reflective mood—could it be the poet’s own contemplative thoughts, or is it simply the mist’s slow movement?

The first stanza ends with the line: "It seems that autumn has arrived".

"It seems" doesn’t imply uncertainty but suggests a sense of surprise and gentle wonder. From the wafting guava scent carried by the cool breeze to the delicate mist lazily drifting by, the poet perceives the subtle yet unmistakable shift in nature's rhythm, marking the arrival of autumn through the sensitive eyes and soul of a poet who is deeply connected to his homeland.

The poem "Sang thu" is filled with the essence of rural life, its simple beauty intertwined with philosophical reflections on the passage of time. The line:

"The thunder becomes less surprising

On the aged trees"

signifies the gradual easing of summer storms and the maturity of trees that have weathered many seasons. The natural world, much like the poet, grows more resilient as time passes. This imagery also carries a deeper meaning: "thunder" symbolizes the unexpected noises and disruptions of life, while the "aged trees" represent people who have lived through hardship and come to face challenges with calmness and strength.

Through "Sang thu", the poet, along with his people, has lived through the brutal years of war. The war was like a harsh, stifling summer, and in the peaceful, serene autumn of rural life, the poet feels a deep sense of tranquility. It is as if the river itself now flows slowly, undisturbed, reflecting a calmness in the poet's soul. Even amidst the storms of life, the poet remains steady, unshaken. The poem subtly conveys this wisdom and resilience, which comes from having lived through difficult times.

As autumn arrives, nature exhibits its gentle transformations, symbolized by the river flowing lazily and the birds hurriedly searching for food as they migrate south. These contrasting movements—slow and fast—show the delicate balance of nature, enhanced by the poet's imaginative use of personification. The imagery of clouds, half-moved from summer to autumn, is one of the poem's most striking and beautiful moments.

When the poet captures the shifting seasons with lines like:

"There’s still some sunlight left

The rain gradually fades away"

he conveys the transition from the intense heat of summer to the more gentle warmth of autumn. The phrase "there’s still some sunlight left" suggests the lingering beauty of summer, but the steady fading of rain and storms marks the calming presence of autumn.

Ultimately, "Sang thu" is a poetic celebration of the autumn season, the simplicity of rural life, and the deep connection the poet feels to his homeland and its natural cycles. It reflects not just the beauty of nature, but also the deeper philosophical reflections on life, change, and resilience.

Among the four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—autumn often inspires the most in poetry, music, and art. We can find collections like Nguyễn Khuyến's Autumn Poems, Lưu Trọng Lư's 'Autumn Sound,' or Xuân Diệu's 'Here Comes the Autumn.' Regarding autumn, poet Hữu Thỉnh, in his poem 'Sang thu,' offers a unique, delicate, and gentle perspective on the moment of transition from late summer to early autumn. Written in 1977 and published in the collection 'From the Trenches to the City,' the poem exemplifies Hữu Thỉnh's tender, deep, and heartfelt poetic style.

The poem begins with initial impressions of the subtle signs of autumn approaching in a close and intimate space:

The first sign of the season's transition from summer to autumn is the wafting scent of ripe guavas in the cool breeze. The familiar yet fresh fragrance of guava is a scent closely tied to the rural villages of Vietnam. While traditional autumn poems often focus on the autumn pond, autumn sky, or golden chrysanthemums, Hữu Thỉnh introduces the initial sign of autumn with the unique guava scent. The poet uses the verb 'phả' (to exhale) to describe the spreading aroma, evoking a rich and lingering scent. The cool breeze of autumn carries this fragrance through the air, signaling the arrival of the season.

Autumn not only brings the wind and guava scent but also a touch of mist, adding a romantic layer to the autumn atmosphere. The mist is personified through the verb 'chùng chình,' suggesting a slow, lingering movement, as if reluctant to fully enter autumn. The 'gates' here symbolize not only the physical gates of the village but also a metaphorical threshold between two seasons—summer reluctant to leave, while autumn hesitates to arrive.

The poet expresses surprise at the signs of autumn, captured by the word 'bỗng' (suddenly), reflecting a sense of awe and wonder. Nature unfolds through the poet's senses—smell (the guava scent), touch (the cool breeze), and sight (the lingering mist)—leading to the conclusion: 'It seems autumn has arrived.' This uncertainty, marked by 'hình như' (it seems), mirrors the elusive, intangible nature of autumn's arrival, enhancing the poet's sense of ambiguity and hesitation.

In the second stanza, the perspective expands from a close, intimate space to a broader, more distant view, transitioning from the ground to the sky:

"The river moves lazily Birds begin to hurry A summer cloud Spreads half its body into autumn"

The river, personified with the phrase 'dềnh dàng,' moves slowly and leisurely, no longer rushing like during the summer rains. It appears to hesitate, holding on to summer before embracing autumn. In contrast, the birds are in a rush to leave, sensing the first chill of autumn in the air. The poetic balance between these two actions—slow river and hurrying birds—creates a vivid and harmonious image, expanding the scope of autumn's arrival.

The closing image of a cloud, personified as 'spreading half its body,' adds a graceful and airy touch to the scene. This cloud, soft and ethereal, represents the shifting boundary between summer and autumn. The blending of reality and imagination in this scene showcases the poet's original, poetic vision. Ultimately, through vivid and evocative imagery, the poet captures the delicate and subtle beauty of autumn's arrival.

The transition from the initial sensations of autumn to deeper reflections on life is expressed in the later stanzas:

"There’s still some sunshine left The rain has mostly faded Thunder is no longer so sudden On the trees, now in their prime."

In these lines, the poet notes the changing weather—less intense heat, fewer sudden storms, and more gentle transitions. The use of phrases like 'vẫn còn' (still) and 'vơi dần' (fading) suggests the gradual nature of these changes, highlighting the poet’s sensitivity to the shifting natural world. These changes in nature prompt deeper reflections on life's transitions:

"Thunder is no longer so sudden On the trees, now in their prime"

The metaphor of 'thunder' symbolizes the upheavals of life, while 'mature trees' represent people who have endured life's hardships. These mature trees stand firm through life's storms, just as the poet reflects on his own experiences and growth. Though young, Hữu Thỉnh, having faced the trials of war, draws on his life’s challenges to offer this profound reflection on life's resilience and the cycles of nature.

The poem, written in five-line stanzas, features beautiful imagery, clear and evocative language, and a deep connection with the natural world. Through it, we witness Hữu Thỉnh’s unique perspective on autumn, as well as his profound love for life and nature.

Autumn is an endless source of inspiration in poetry. This single season has led writers and artists to express their feelings countless times, creating their own unique verses and melodies. For example, Xuân Diệu's poem 'Đây mùa thu tới' evokes a sense of sadness and melancholy, as he describes the 'bent willows mourning' and 'branches dry and frail,' capturing the essence of autumn through his words. The theme of autumn is not new in Vietnamese and Eastern poetry; what makes each autumn poem distinct is the personal emotions, choice of words, and the artist's individual talents. Hữu Thỉnh stands out as one of the most notable poets who write about autumn with his unique approach. He does not focus on late autumn or mid-autumn but instead chooses a sensitive moment—the transition from summer to autumn. In his poem 'Entering Autumn,' this moment is described with subtlety and elegance.

'Suddenly, the scent of guava'
'Blows through the cool breeze'
'Mist lingers in the alley'
'It seems like autumn has arrived.'

The moment the poet realizes that autumn has arrived is special, quite different from the usual descriptions of autumn by other writers. While many focus on the sound of falling leaves, the yellow hue of autumn like Lưu Trọng Lư's 'The golden deer, confused, treads on dry leaves,' or the clear autumn sky as in Nguyễn Khuyến's 'Fishing in Autumn,' Hữu Thỉnh captures the essence of autumn through the fragrance of guava—a scent familiar and comforting to every Vietnamese person. This guava scent is not faint but 'blows through the cool breeze,' becoming thick and distinct, allowing the poet to sense the change from summer to autumn. The 'cool breeze' carrying this guava scent also evokes the crisp chill of autumn. Along with the scent of ripe guava, the transition between seasons is highlighted through a unique image that no poet has ever used before. 'The mist lingers in the alley,' the use of 'lingering' suggests the slow and hesitant nature of the morning mist, almost as if it is reluctant to leave, signaling the arrival of autumn. Or perhaps, the mist, like a delicate white scarf, represents the boundary between summer and autumn, still holding onto the warmth of summer. The final line of this verse, 'It seems like autumn has arrived,' not only affirms that autumn has begun with clear signs, such as the sweet guava scent, the cool breeze, and the lingering mist, but also reflects the poet's surprise and wonder at this moment of transition.

'The river flows lazily'
'The birds begin to hurry'
'There’s a summer cloud'
'Halfway crossing into autumn.'

In the next stanza, the transition of seasons is no longer felt through scents or mist but is vividly depicted in the transformation of the natural world. The image of the 'lazy river' represents the earth, moving slowly, unlike the rush of a summer river filled with heavy rains and fast currents. Similarly, the autumn river is tranquil, clear, and gentle, evoking the serene beauty that Nguyễn Khuyến once described in his poem 'Fishing in Autumn' as 'The autumn pond is cold, the water clear and still.' The gentle river represents purity and peace. In contrast, the birds are 'hurrying,' symbolizing the vast sky and the growing chill of autumn. The birds might be searching for food or heading south to escape the cold. The contrast between the lazy river and the hurried birds highlights the subtle moments of seasonal change, showcasing the poet's refined soul and sharp observation. The lines 'There’s a summer cloud'
'Halfway crossing into autumn' are an artistic breakthrough, a metaphor that portrays the cloud as lazy and reluctant to fully transition into autumn, much like a person who is not ready to let go of summer. The poem emphasizes the gradual entry into autumn, rather than an abrupt change.

'The sun still shines brightly'
'The rain has lightened'
'Thunder has become less surprising'
'On the aging trees.'

This stanza sums up many life philosophies that Hữu Thỉnh wants to share with readers. With his life experiences and keen observations, the poet draws a profound comparison between summer and autumn, providing a deep insight into the transition between the two seasons. While the sun still shines, it no longer carries the intensity and suffocating heat of summer. It becomes softer, blending with the coolness of autumn, creating a moment of peace and comfort. The summer rains, once heavy and relentless, have transformed into light, scattered showers. Similarly, the thunder, once unexpected and alarming, now seems ordinary, just as one becomes accustomed to life's challenges over time. The thunder symbolizes the storms of youth, which, after passing through life's ups and downs, eventually become familiar and less startling. Hữu Thỉnh's closing lines, 'Thunder has become less surprising / On the aging trees,' suggest that after experiencing the storms of life, one gains wisdom and serenity, accepting change with calmness and reflection.

'Entering Autumn' was written when the poet was 35, marking a third of his life's journey. Perhaps at the moment when Hữu Thỉnh first sensed the sweet guava fragrance, he was startled by the arrival of autumn, a moment that made him reflect on his own life, transitioning from the vibrancy of youth to the quieter maturity of autumn. As autumn arrives unexpectedly, so does time pass swiftly, leaving the poet with many emotions as the seasons of his life unfold.

When writing about the theme of autumn, while in classical poetry, we have the trio of autumn poems "Thu điếu", "Thu vịnh", "Thu ẩm" by Nguyễn Khuyến, and in New Poetry, there is "Tiếng thu" by Lưu Trọng Lư, modern post-1975 poetry stands out with the poem "Sang thu" by Hữu Thỉnh. This work paints a picture of nature during the changing seasons, highlighting the gentle transformations of the natural world. It also reflects the poet's sensitive perception.

Hữu Thỉnh is a poet who grew up during the nation's resistance against the American invaders. His poem "Sang thu" was written in 1977 and published in the collection "Từ chiến hào đến thành phố". The poem opens with the poet's sudden and startled realization that autumn has arrived in nature and in human life:

"Suddenly, I smell the scent of guava

Blowing gently with the cool breeze

The mist drifts slowly through the lanes

It feels like autumn has come"

The first sign that Hữu Thỉnh recognizes the arrival of autumn is the scent of guava, which is a distinctive feature of autumn in the Northern regions. The cool autumn breezes carry the ripe guava scent, making one feel extremely comfortable. The autumn breeze is not as strong as the northeast monsoon; instead, it is a soft, cool breeze signaling the season's change. Not too strong, but not too gentle either, this breeze carries the fragrance of guava across the rural landscape. According to the "Vietnamese Dictionary" by Hoàng Phê, "phả" means to blow strongly and spread as a stream, evoking the strong, floating scent of guava along with the breeze. While other poets might link autumn to the smell of green rice flakes or familiar golden leaves, Hữu Thỉnh uniquely associates the season with the fragrance of guava, creating a refreshing, new perspective that appeals to readers.

Not only does Hữu Thỉnh perceive autumn through his sense of smell and touch, but he also sees it with his eyes through the image of the slowly moving autumn mist. It seems as though the mist hesitates, half wanting to leave and half wanting to stay, deliberately drifting slowly to become part of the natural scenery and allowing people to admire its fragile beauty. These white mists move sluggishly, lingering as if deliberately making their presence known to help people recognize the arrival of autumn. Even though this awareness comes from a combination of senses, the poet seems unprepared for the sudden shift into autumn. The word "hình như" (seemingly) expresses the poet's confused, vague, and surprised state.

Hữu Thỉnh broadens his view, observing more carefully to confirm his perception:

"The river is leisurely flowing

The birds begin to hurry

There's a summer cloud

Stretching halfway into autumn".

The autumn river is more peaceful than ever. It flows slowly, evoking a sense of tranquility and gentleness. It seems as though the river, still lingering with the memory of summer, deliberately slows down to preserve the remnants of the past season. In contrast to the slow river, the birds are in a hurry, preparing to fly south to avoid the harsh winter cold. Personification brings the autumn landscape to life, making it more relatable and vibrant. The summer cloud, in its personified form, shows a sense of nostalgia, only "stretching halfway into autumn" while still longing for the summer that has passed. The poet concludes the poem with words filled with deep reflection:

"There is still plenty of sunshine

But the rain has gradually faded

The thunder has become less surprising

On the aged trees".

Sunshine, rain, and thunder are essential features of summer. While the sunshine is still warm, it is no longer as harsh as the sweltering summer days. The summer rains are fewer, and the thunder is less intense. The words "vơi dần" (gradually fades) and "bớt" (become less) both reflect the diminishing intensity of these weather phenomena. Thunder in autumn is softer, and the trees are no longer startled by it. The final two lines of the poem carry a hidden meaning. "Thunder" symbolizes the unexpected noises and disturbances in life, while the "aged trees" metaphorically represent people who have endured many hardships and challenges. Just like the trees, those who have faced life's storms become stronger, more composed, and wiser. These lines also carry a philosophical message from the poet, reminding us that life's storms help us grow deeper roots and become more resilient. The poet encourages us to stay positive and proactive to face life's challenges.

The poem is written in a five-word verse form, which allows the poet to express his emotions and perceptions of the autumn landscape with sensitivity. The simple yet expressive language and vivid imagery create a beautiful painting of the changing season, a masterpiece brought to life by Hữu Thỉnh, a poet rich in life experience.

Autumn has always been an endless source of inspiration for poets. In the crisp, cool air of the season, many poets have poured their hearts into verses about it. Huu Thin is one such poet. He crafted 'Sang Thu' with all the emotions he felt as the world transitioned from summer to autumn.

Written at the end of 1977, this poem gently and vividly portrays the change of seasons, capturing the fleeting, hesitant moments of nature before autumn fully takes hold.

The poem begins with a fresh and unique perception of the coming autumn, expressed through the poet's personal, immediate emotional reactions:

"Suddenly I smell the scent of guava,

Carried by the cool autumn breeze"

While other poets might associate autumn with the golden leaves, the blooming flowers, or the ripening fruit of the sycamore tree, Huu Thin uniquely evokes the season through the smell of guava. Autumn comes unexpectedly, surprising even the poet. The phrase 'Suddenly I realize' captures a feeling of astonishment, as though the poet is startled by the arrival of autumn amidst the changing fragrances of nature. The cool breeze of autumn brings with it the unmistakable scent of ripe guava. The verb 'to blow' affirms the presence of this distinct scent, which, though not overpowering, is enough to stir the poet's senses. Autumn arrives softly, with a light mist covering the space:

"Mist floats gently through the alleys,

It seems autumn has arrived"

The phrase 'floating gently' conveys a sense of slowness, a rhythmic, intermittent movement. Could this be a reflection of the poet's own emotional cadence? A bit of hesitation, surprise, and nostalgia for summer before autumn settles in. The guava scent and the morning mist prompt the poet to recognize that autumn has indeed arrived. With just four lines, the poet has expressed the full range of his senses—smell, touch, and sight—to bring a unique, personal perception of autumn.

Next, autumn is sensed on a larger scale, with deeper layers:

"The river flows gently,

The birds begin to hurry,

There are clouds from the summer,

Halfway into autumn"

At this point, the poet confidently affirms the presence of autumn. The river's flow has become calmer, gentler, no longer rushing like the floodwaters of summer. It seems that all movements are slowing down with the arrival of autumn, except for the birds, which are hurrying to flee the coming chill. The poet’s perspective shifts upward, focusing on the wide sky. With delicate sensitivity, the poet describes the cloud as soft and graceful, like a silk ribbon, 'halfway into autumn.' The cloud appears to linger on the last traces of summer, unwilling to fully let go before the earth truly changes. This passage highlights the poet's remarkable sensitivity to the early stirrings of autumn, which he is able to observe and describe so vividly.

If the previous stanzas depict autumn through vibrant natural imagery, the final stanza shifts to reflect a more contemplative, introspective tone:

"The sun still lingers,

The rains have lessened,

The thunder has become less surprising,

On the aging trees"

During this transitional moment, the sun is still present, but the summer storms are fading away. The sun, the rain, the thunder, and lightning—symbols of summer—remain, but their intensity has diminished. The final lines of the poem offer an intriguing insight:

"The thunder is less surprising,

On the aging trees"

The 'aging trees' evoke the idea of life itself, much like a person growing older. Just as trees age, so too do people, moving from youth to maturity and eventually old age. The image of the trees enduring the storms of autumn suggests that, like them, people who have weathered life's trials are no longer startled by life’s difficulties. By using simple language and familiar imagery, Huu Thin not only shares his sensitive perceptions of autumn but also conveys his deep love for nature and the changing world around him.

'Sang Thu' is a five-line poem by Huu Thin that has gained widespread admiration. The poem consists of three stanzas, each with four lines that capture the serene beauty of autumn, portraying the first signs of the season as it arrives unexpectedly.

'Sang Thu' reflects a delicate, light, and skillful artistic style, expressing the author's feelings and subtle emotions as he observes the marvelous changes in nature at the onset of autumn. The scenery described is of the rural landscapes in the northern regions of Vietnam.

For poet Xuan Dieu, the first signal of autumn is the faded yellow hue of leaves that nature has 'woven' between the countless trees:

'Here comes autumn, here comes autumn

With a faded dream-colored cloak of yellow leaves.'

(Here comes autumn)

However, for Huu Thin, it is the 'perfume of guava' in the countryside garden that is 'carried' by the cool autumn breeze. This deep, lingering fragrance from the guava trees, experienced in the final days of summer and the first whispers of autumn, remains embedded in the soul, a memory that endures:

'Suddenly, I recognize the guava fragrance

Carried on the cool breeze.'

The word 'phả' (to emit or release) suggests a strong, wafting scent, evoking the rich yellow color and fragrant aroma emanating from ripe guavas in a rural garden during the transition from late summer to early autumn. The autumn breeze, cool and gentle, intensifies the fragrance that fills both the air and the soul.

Many have written beautifully about the smell of 'com' (young green rice) in Hanoi, a beloved symbol of autumn’s essence in Vietnamese culture:

'Bright and clear like the mornings of the past'

'The autumn breeze blows, carrying the fresh scent of com...'

(The Country - Nguyen Dinh Thi)

The 'guava fragrance' in 'Sang Thu' presents something new in poetry, infused with the rustic charm of Huu Thin’s style.

After 'guava fragrance' and the 'cool breeze', the poet introduces autumn mist. Unlike the 'cold autumn mist... The autumn smoke forms a wall' in 'Autumn's Lament' by Tan Da, or the 'wet mist' and the sad autumn sounds from 'Chinh Phu Ngam', Huu Thin's mist is characterized by a slow, drawn-out quality, extending time:

'The mist lingers in the alley

It feels like autumn has arrived.'

The autumn mist is personified, with the phrase 'lingers' capturing the slow, deliberate pace of autumn's arrival. The words 'suddenly realizing' express a sense of surprise, while 'it feels like' conveys an uncertain yet awakening perception of the changing season.

The rhyme between 'se' (cool) and 've' (returning) adds a musical rhythm to the poem, enriching its melodic flow and giving it a vast, evocative tone.

The poem's artistic space expands, with vivid imagery of the sky’s height, the birds in flight, and the clouds drifting by, further portrayed in the second stanza:

'The river flows lazily

Birds begin to rush

There are clouds from summer

Stretching half into autumn.'

The northern rivers of Vietnam are calm, their waters reflecting a clear, serene sky: 'The river, bright and silent at sunset' (Bà Huyện Thanh Quan). The river flows gently, as if deliberately slow, while the birds rush southward, escaping the approaching cold. Among these migrating birds, could there be the geese mentioned by poet Nguyen Khuyen in 'Autumn Lament'?

'A single cry from the sky, which geese is that?'

The river, birds, and clouds are all personified, creating a lively and poetic autumn scene. Instead of words like 'floating' or 'drifting', Huu Thin uses 'stretching', adding a unique and creative touch to the description of the clouds.

The phrase 'trees that have withstood time' metaphorically represents the enduring strength of the people who have faced and overcome hardship. The poet cleverly uses 'thunder' and 'aged trees' as metaphors for life’s struggles, while also conveying the sense of resilience and endurance through nature’s changing face.

Similar to spring, autumn has always been a subject that evokes deep emotions for poets. Each poet has their unique perspective and way of describing it, reflecting their personal imprint. For some, autumn is the sorrowful willow tree, the fading colors of a garment, or the sound of a deer walking over dry leaves. Hữu Thỉnh has added his fresh take on autumn to the collection of national autumn poetry. He is a poet known for writing beautifully about people and life in rural areas, and about autumn. His autumn poems are filled with a sense of wistfulness, lingering in the midst of the serene transition of nature. This is clearly evident in his poem 'Sang Thu', written in late 1977.

The poem conveys the feeling of surprise at the change of seasons, from summer to autumn. Unlike other poets who perceive autumn through the golden hues of chrysanthemums or the sound of leaves rustling, Hữu Thỉnh embraces autumn with a unique scent: the scent of guava.

"Suddenly realizing the guava scent

Blowing through the crisp wind"

'Suddenly realizing' reflects an unexpected moment of realization, as if startled by the scents, sounds, and colors characteristic of autumn. The poet senses the seasonal shift through a gentle, cool breeze carrying the guava scent. 'Blowing' is a verb that implies an active force, used to affirm the arrival of autumn's presence in the air: 'guava scent', a fragrance that isn't overwhelming, but gentle and subtle, carried on the early autumn breeze, awakening emotions within the poet.

Not only does the poet experience autumn through his sense of smell, but also through his tactile sense, as he feels the autumn mist during this transition period. The mist seems to savor the moment of autumn's arrival, lingering, reluctant to move on:

"Mist lingers through the alley"

It seems autumn has arrived"

The image of 'lingering' suggests a sense of hesitation, evoking the quiet, peaceful, and slow-paced autumn scene. 'Lingering' represents a rhythmic pause, a slow motion, or perhaps even the poet’s own emotional reaction? A moment of surprise, a sense of nostalgia, the poet discovers the unique beauty of the autumn atmosphere. 'It seems' is a modal expression that captures the poet's feeling as he realizes autumn's presence. The arrival of morning mist along with the guava scent startles the poet.

These aren't the usual, clichéd images, but fresh and surprising details. For Hữu Thỉnh, the guava scent is familiar to the Vietnamese people, yet it is a surprising and natural addition to poetry.

As autumn is observed in larger and more complex spaces, the poet writes:

"The river is now lazily flowing"

The birds start to hurry"

A summer cloud

Stretching halfway into autumn"

In the first stanza, autumn was just a tentative realization, but in this stanza, the poet firmly affirms: Autumn is truly here. Autumn is everywhere, visible and real. The river no longer rushes like during the summer storms, but flows peacefully and gently. Everything seems to slow down, except for the birds, which begin to hurry. The cold of autumn forces them to prepare for migration as winter approaches. The poet captures the subtle urgency in the birds' flight, as autumn is still in its early stages, gentle and soft. The poet's viewpoint gradually shifts from the river to the vast sky:

"A summer cloud

Stretching halfway into autumn"

The depiction of the seasonal transition is wonderfully expressed by Hữu Thỉnh. This is a unique and novel discovery by him. As autumn just begins, the summer clouds linger, gracefully 'stretching halfway into autumn'. The cloud is like a soft ribbon in the sky, still in summer, yet inching toward autumn. The transition becomes vibrant and full of expression.

In the final stanza, the moment of seasonal change is not expressed directly, but through the poet’s reflection and contemplation:

"There is still some sunshine"

The rain has gradually lessened"

The thunder is no longer surprising"

On the aging trees"

The late summer sunshine is still warm and bright, but slowly fading. The intense downpours of the rainy season have subsided. There is still sunshine, still rain, and thunder like in summer, but in a gentler form. At this moment, the thunder and heavy rains have become less frequent. The final two lines provoke deep thought:

"Thunder no longer surprises"

On the aging trees"

The poet’s tone has become more solemn, the lines are not merely descriptive but contemplative. The phrase 'aging trees' evokes many associations. Life is like a tree, starting from youth, growing to maturity, then aging. Perhaps the 'aging trees' symbolize the experience of life in its later years. The image conveys both a literal meaning and a symbolic one. The calmness of the trees before the autumn storms reflects the wisdom and composure of an older person. Is autumn in a person’s life the end of youthful exuberance, giving way to a more serene and grounded phase? At the age of 'Sang Thu', a person is no longer surprised by the unexpected events of life.

Autumn has traditionally been associated with images of falling yellow leaves and the rustling sound of dry leaves... We thought those were the only defining features of autumn. But in 'Sang Thu' by Hữu Thỉnh, readers are surprised by the guava scent, the morning mist, the river, the cloud, and the rays of sunlight. These everyday elements come together to create the unique essence of autumn in Vietnam, and this is what makes 'Sang Thu' so captivating.

Autumn has always been a theme that inspires deep affection in poets, as it represents the gentlest, most serene season—the time for tranquility and profound emotions. Autumn finds its way into the poetry of Nguyen Khuyen with simplicity and familiarity; in Nguyen Dinh Thi’s verse, it echoes the timeless spirit of the nation. Yet, it is Huu Thinh’s autumn in the poem 'Sang thu' that is particularly beautiful, poetic, and lyrical, with the poet’s heart full of grace. His work vividly depicts the magical transition of seasons in nature and in the soul.

'Sang thu' is a poem that gently captures the delicate shift of seasons. The sky and earth, during the change to autumn, seem somewhat hesitant and uncertain, while the poet himself is filled with awe and a deep sense of wonder as he notices nature’s transformation. As autumn arrives, it brings with it the softest and most melodious rhythms.

The signs of autumn in Huu Thinh’s poetry are strikingly simple and relatable. It is not the fragrance of autumn’s green rice or the stillness of a lake, nor the falling of leaves. Instead, it is the 'fragrance of guava', a distinct scent that characterizes rural Vietnam each time autumn approaches.

Suddenly, I notice the scent of guava

Blowing in the cool breeze

Only a sensitive, subtle poet could catch the faint scent, which might easily be carried away by the wind. The phrase 'suddenly notice' suggests a new discovery, an exciting surprise, like uncovering something beautiful. It reflects the poet’s astonishment at realizing that autumn is already upon him, with nothing more than the familiar, nostalgic scent of guava. This scent has now 'blown' into the crisp autumn breeze, gentle yet biting. The verb 'blown' evokes the essence of autumn, the mingling of guava’s fragrance and the early seasonal wind.

In just these two opening lines, Huu Thinh offers a fresh perception of autumn—a subtle transition of seasons and the quiet beauty found in the simplest of things.

The fog lingers along the alley

It seems autumn has arrived

These lines are tender, refined, and deeply meaningful, evoking the haze of the fleeting moment when the seasons change. The image of 'fog lingering along the alley' makes one imagine the fog hesitating at the alley’s entrance. The phrase 'lingering' enhances the essence of autumn, which is never rushed or hasty, but always filled with a mysterious, ambiguous quality. The poet exclaims 'it seems', uncertain, but in fact affirming that autumn has truly arrived.

Perhaps autumn has truly arrived—both in nature and in the poet’s heart, filled with expansive emotions. By the second stanza, the features of autumn have become clear, defined by the poet's growing awareness:

The river flows lazily

The birds begin to hurry

A summer cloud

Stretching halfway into autumn

The autumn waters rise, flowing 'lazily', while the birds begin to 'hurry' in flight. Nature seems to rush and become heavy with autumn’s approach, but it still retains its characteristic grace. The contours of autumn now appear clearly, no longer vague as in the first stanza. This marks a transformation in both nature and the poet’s perception. The poet’s keen observation is also evident in the image of the 'summer cloud', which 'stretches' into autumn. This metaphor is not only a work of art but also reflects the poet’s profound attachment to autumn—the air, the feeling, and the essence of the season.

The verb 'stretch' is brilliantly used to express the graceful transition of autumn, its seamless, rhythmic flow. Autumn, as seen through Huu Thinh’s eyes, is both charming and playful, yet serene and graceful.

The seasonal painting, as conveyed in Huu Thinh’s words, is smooth, gentle, and fluid. This is the poet’s skill—the ability to paint vivid images with his words.

The surprise comes in the final stanza, where autumn has fully arrived, and the world is visibly changing. Yet, the poet reflects on autumn through the lens of a lifetime:

There’s still some sunshine

The rain has started to fade

The thunder is less startling

On the aged trees

Autumn's sunshine is soft, pure, and a bit cool, infused with the first chill of the season’s breeze. The nature of autumn becomes quieter and more contemplative. The thunder no longer startles us; instead, it becomes a quiet rumble above the aged trees. Through the image of 'aged trees', the poet reflects on the wisdom and experiences of a life well-lived. Thunder and trees represent people who have matured, leaving behind youthful impetuosity for steadiness and calm. The poet uses the 'aged trees' to symbolize the latter stages of life, much like autumn itself—a season where one’s youthful energy has passed, and one stands firm and steady, reflecting on what has been and what is yet to come. The quiet rhythms of autumn mirror the rhythms of life, a gentle reminder to appreciate the moments as they unfold.

With 'Sang thu', Huu Thinh presents an original and fascinating perspective. His delicate perception, combined with reflections that provoke deep thought, offers readers a fresh and meaningful view of autumn. Closing the book, Huu Thinh’s autumn lingers in our minds, continuing to echo long after the page has turned.