Top 10 Best Analytical Essays on the Poem 'Nhớ đồng' by Tố Hữu

The voice of poetry rises from the prison, echoing the deep longing of 19-year-old Tố Hữu for the freedom he lost. The vivid images and emotions blend into a memory that connects the poet with the outside world. In the poem 'Xiềng xích' from his collection 'Từ ấy', the poet experiences the quiet afternoon, hearing the echo of his heart most clearly in that stillness. Entering the prison at such a young age, Tố Hữu begins the 'Xiềng xích' section with his thoughts of being confined, the pain of losing freedom, but also with a determined resolve to overcome the challenges. His thoughts separate reason from emotion, leaning towards extremism and youthful exuberance. Yet in 'Nhớ đồng', we find a more mature Tố Hữu after facing the first trials. At first glance, one might think the poem reflects the feelings of an exile longing for his homeland. This is understandable, especially since Tố Hữu wrote during a time when modern poetry was thriving, and as a young poet, he could easily resonate with the sentiments of others his age. Could it be mere coincidence that while imprisoned, Tố Hữu wrote a series of poems like 'Nhớ người' and 'Nhớ đồng' that convey a different interpretation from Thế Lữ's 'Nhớ rừng' – the words of a tiger longing for its glorious past? Both express longing, but while the romantic poet in Thế Lữ's work elevates his sorrow to pride and laments his personal fate, Tố Hữu's longing is rooted in his connection to the world outside. Through his longing, Tố Hữu establishes connections with the world outside, recognizing both the beauty and sorrow of life, conveying his love for life as well as the awareness of a young revolutionary soldier who is both deeply moved and fervently eager. His 'I' is the soldier and poet, becoming more profound and imbued with optimism and belief in his cause. After describing the feeling of 'nothing is deeper than...' as a way of explaining his own heart, the poem 'Nhớ đồng' is filled with images brimming with the vitality of his familiar countryside: 'Where the wind blows, the earth gives off its scent Where the bamboo groves breathe out peaceful joy Where the green rice fields stretch lush and fresh Where the sweet potatoes and cassava fields are rich with flavor.' The scene after his longing is one of simplicity and familiarity, filled with a yearning to cherish the beauty of the countryside. The village appears in his memory with the scent of the earth, the shade of the bamboo groves, the heart-stirring green of the rice fields, and the sweet, earthy taste of the crops, all evoking a deep sense of peace and affection. From the perspective of someone deprived of freedom, his perception of 'a distant shout' triggers vivid images of life outside, making the longing even more poignant. The poet also senses the 'loneliness' of lives trapped in confinement, quietly drifting through a life of painful monotony: 'Where the children’s paths stretch endlessly Where the low houses sleep in stillness Amidst the gloomy passage of time Unchanged but drifting on and on...' It is a sad reflection on the lives hidden behind the village's bamboo fence, lives mired in the gloom of an 'oppressed' existence, symbolizing the nation's enslavement. The 'loneliness' is not simply caused by the outer environment but originates from the poet’s realization of the nation’s plight and his people’s suffering. The sorrow for these 'unchanging but drifting' lives aches in the poet’s heart, as if sharing in their grief. The portrayal of life in 'Nhớ đồng' is not just about beauty, but also a reflection of the deep sorrow and longing of the poet for his people’s plight, much like a melancholic folk song from Huế... The sadness expressed through the cry forms an echo that calls out to the outside world: 'What could be deeper than those lonely afternoons - Oh, the cherished fields of my homeland!' Perhaps the poet is raising a 'call to the wild,' awakening kindred spirits? How deeply he treasures those verses that speak of the beauty of human life: 'Where the bent backs toil in the fields Where the mud breathes out hopeful fragrance And where the hands of those workers Scatter seeds beneath the morning sky.' The emotional connection between people comes from understanding the bond between the revolutionary soldier and the masses. The verse reflects optimism and inspiration, recalling a line from French romantic poet V. Hugo: 'An old man is scattering The seeds for the next season into the earth. His shadow looms darkly, Stepping on the deep plowed furrows. He surely believes strongly In the swift passage of time.' Tố Hữu’s verse is not just about a solitary old man, but encapsulates the image of 'bent backs in the fields' – simple yet grand figures of hardworking people whose labor ignites hope for a better future, 'scattering seeds beneath the sky each morning!' Could it be a coincidence that the symbolism of 'hands' sowing seeds appears in both Tố Hữu’s work and in the French romantic poet's verse? One must open their heart to life to truly express the love and faith in humanity so deeply. Among the diligent farmers in the fields and the soldier fighting for the beauty of life, there is a shared empathy for those who sow the seeds of a brighter tomorrow. The refrain 'What could be deeper than those lonely afternoons...' echoes again, after images of life filled with longing: the misty evening spreading over the fields, the soft rustling rice, the rhythm of the water buffalo’s plowing combined with the 'distant cry' that resonates deeply in the poet’s heart, intensifying the longing. Perhaps now the poet truly grasps the profound value of the freedom that has been taken from him. The subsequent verses show a shift in emotions, as the poet yearns for his memories. He captures the images of life in his sensitive heart, even as he faces the loneliness of his prison cell: 'Where are the familiar figures now? Why are they so far apart? Oh, how I long for them, oh, how I long For my old mother, lonely and far away!' At this moment, we encounter the most vulnerable side of Tố Hữu. But this sentiment is entirely natural, as one who is surrounded by loneliness and silence will inevitably long for the presence of loved ones, especially a mother, seeking refuge in her love and care. Interestingly, this verse mirrors the longing expressed in 'Modern Poetry': 'Oh, how I long, oh, how I long - A lost autumn bird at the end of the world' (Chế Lan Viên). Indeed, Tố Hữu’s poetry 'emerges from Modern Poetry,' but with a completely different spirit. The poet’s longing expressed through the exclamation 'Oh, how I long...' is directed at his 'old mother, lonely and far away,' a tangible, real image that feels intimate and close, unlike the fleeting, ethereal longing in Chế’s poem. Here, the mother symbolizes the homeland, representing the most sacred, deep, and enduring aspects of life. This line also reveals much about the communist spirit, from the motherland to the people. The poet remembers the 'simple,' 'honest' people, imbued with the soul of the homeland. These deeply moving images no longer belong to the external world but have truly become the poet’s flesh and soul. The feelings and the people he recalls give him strength, clarity, and the certainty to affirm his choices. The two verses about the self represent the contrast between the past and the present, filled with the joy of being among the working masses: 'And one day, I saw myself Light as a bird flying through the sky Lost in the fields, singing and laughing Under the vast blue sky…' This is also the moment when the poet fully expresses his identity. It is not a sorrowful, arrogant, or weak 'self' like other romantic poets, but a 'self' full of love and belief in life. The image in the poem reflects the moment of deep emotion and sanctity when the poet joins the revolutionary forces: 'From that day, sunshine filled my heart – The sun of truth shines through my soul...'. No longer wavering or lost, the poet has grown, with a firm belief, ready to fight for his ideals. Although the poet endures imprisonment, he still dreams of freedom, 'dreaming through the prison bars each day,' despite the lingering sorrow, 'like the sad bird longing for the winds and clouds,' yet still glowing with the desire to soar in the skies of liberty. The poem 'Nhớ đồng' carries the tone of a refrain full of longing for humanity and life, capturing the various emotional states of the poet. In truth, 'Nhớ đồng' is about remembering the deep ties to life, a reminder and encouragement for the poet in his time of confinement. The poem’s tone, filled with yearning and gratitude for the simple people and their homeland, showcases the poet’s spirit of optimism and resilience. It is this youthful vigor, filled with romantic revolutionary inspiration, that allows us to understand the poet’s soul and appreciate the spirit of the young communist soldiers. Such verses in 'Nhớ đồng' and in the collection 'Từ ấy' help us further understand and appreciate the previous generation, echoing through the hearts of future generations.

To Huu participated in the student movement in Hue and was imprisoned by the French colonists at the Thua Phu prison (Hue, 1939). While in prison, To Huu wrote many poems expressing the emotions of a young revolutionary, which were later compiled in the "Chains" section of the poetry collection "From Then." The poem "Remembering the Fields" reflects the poet's intense and heartfelt longing for his homeland, the countryside, his loved ones, and the memories of a time filled with revolutionary activity.

The poem is dedicated to "Vinh" (Nguyen Chi Thanh), a fellow revolutionary, who was also imprisoned at Thua Phu. The inspiration for the poem likely came directly from the song of Vinh, sung during lonely afternoons in prison:

Nothing is deeper than those afternoons of longing

Loneliness echoed in the sound of a song.

Vinh's singing reminded the poet of the countryside, awakening feelings of love for his homeland, his village:

Where the fragrant breeze of the hills touches the earth

Where the bamboo groves breathe in peace and joy

Where the rice paddies are lush and green

Where the sweet potatoes and yams grow in abundance.

The repetition of the word "where" creates a rhythmic, heartfelt tone, capturing the poet's overwhelming longing. The poet's senses are awakened by the countryside: the smell of the breeze, the feel of the earth, the sight of the green rice paddies, and the taste of the sweet produce. To Huu's craftsmanship is evident in his use of words, such as the phrase "Where the fragrant breeze of the hills touches the earth," which evokes the essence of Hue.

Beyond the deep emotion, there is also an intellectual undertone in the poet's longing for the fields, which distinguishes him from the romantic poets of his time:

Where are the roads that stretch forever?

The village huts lie still, silent in the night

Amidst these dark, unchanging days

Nothing changes, yet time still passes...

The poet reflects on the familiar, but stifling roads, the poverty of the village huts, and the stagnation of the countryside. The constancy of rural life mirrors the immobility of society, sparking the poet's desire for change and revolution.

This ideological shift is reflected in the transformation of the poem's refrain:

Nothing is deeper than those afternoons of longing

Loneliness echoed in the sound of a song.

Now becomes:

Nothing is deeper than those lonely afternoons

Oh, the countryside, my dearly beloved!

But the poet does not lose hope in life. He expresses his optimism through the images of "stooped backs bent over plowing fields," and the "hands sowing seeds to the skies" in the early mornings:

Where are the backs bent over the plows?

Where the earth bursts with hope and fragrance?

Where are those hands sowing the seeds?

Casting them to the sky at dawn.

The grandeur of these images evokes memories of Victor Hugo's poem "The Season of Sowing, the Evening":

The shadow of night rests on the fields.

Ragged clothes, arms weary

The old man throws a handful of seeds

For the coming season's harvest

The tall, dark figure looms

Above the vast fields

One trusts deeply in time's progress...

Or this passage:

In the spreading darkness

Mixed with the rustling sounds

The hands sowing seeds

Stretch toward the stars...

One striking feature of the poet's longing for the fields is the image of familiar, yet distant people—the ones who, though close, are now far away:

Nothing is deeper than those afternoons of longing

Loneliness echoed in the sound of a song!

Where are the familiar faces now?

How distant they have become.

The poet remembers the people of the countryside, who have been a part of his life from "the old days," and he understands their essence—those "who have weathered the storms of life." He perceives their sincerity and purity:

Their hearts, simple and kind as the earth

Like the yams and sweet potatoes, honest and true!

Deep in the poet's soul, the longing for his elderly mother rises to the surface. This feeling of yearning pours out with heartbreaking repetition:

Oh, how I long, oh how I long

Oh, my dear, lonely mother!

The poet then recalls his younger self, the young revolutionary searching for the meaning of life:

Where are those days gone, I remember myself

Wandering, searching for the meaning of life.

Unforgettable memories in the young revolutionary's mind are those moments when he discovered his ideals:

Then one day, I saw myself

Light as a bird, fluttering freely

Lost in the joy of singing and freedom

On the vast, endless sky.

The poet looks back with deep emotion, using vivid metaphors (light as a bird) and hyperbole (on the vast, endless sky). Like a bird set free, soaring through the open countryside, singing happily, the poet reflects on both the joy of discovering revolutionary ideals and the desire for freedom, now locked away in prison:

I gathered it all in silence

Like a lonely bird, remembering the winds and clouds.

The poem "Remembering the Fields" authentically and vividly expresses the thoughts of a young revolutionary trapped in prison. His longing for freedom, his deep love for his homeland, and his memories of loved ones are depicted through powerful and vivid imagery, sound, and emotion.

Tố Hữu's poem "Remembering the Fields" draws inspiration from a familiar folk song from his homeland, which becomes the emotional thread running through the entire piece.

- What is deeper than those lonely afternoons of longing?

Echoing over the river, a solitary folk song calls!

- What is deeper than those quiet, lonely afternoons?

Oh, the fields of my homeland, how I long for you!

- What is deeper than those lonely afternoons of longing?

Echoing over the river, a solitary folk song calls!

- What is deeper than those quiet, lonely afternoons?

Oh, the fields of my homeland, how I long for you!

In terms of the poetic setting, hearing a lone folk song echoing in the midday heat, the poet is struck by a profound sense of loneliness and begins to long for the fields, the hardworking people in the countryside. This is a deep empathy with various forms of solitude: the emptiness of the barren fields, the emptiness of the midday heat, the sorrowful struggles of life, and the loneliness within the poet's own heart as he is confined within the prison walls, far from the outside world.

On a thematic level, these verses are a lament. The cry reflects the deep sense of isolation the poet is experiencing, and it can also be seen as a philosophical reflection on the extreme solitude that nothing else can compare to. Through this, we sense an empty, desolate heart, separated from and yearning for the life outside. This is the profound sorrow of someone who loves life but is cut off from it.

The artistic impact of repetition lies not just in linking different parts of the poem, even those far apart, into a coherent whole. More importantly, it serves an emotional purpose. Repetition functions like a refrain, emphasizing and deepening the poet’s emotions, cementing the central ideas. The repetition creates a rhythm that mimics the persistence of the poet’s feelings, making his longing grow heavier and more intense as it continues.

The image of the fields is vividly evoked through the poet's nostalgic longing. He recalls familiar sights such as the fragrant soil of the fields, the lush green rice paddies, the sweet potatoes and cassava, the quiet village lanes, and the tireless laborers working in the fields. These simple, familiar images represent the deep connection between the people and the land. Above all, he remembers the image of his elderly mother, alone and aging, emblematic of the enduring relationship between people and the earth.

They are humble and steadfast like the land itself. In conclusion, "Remembering the Fields" is a reflection on the entire life beyond the prison walls, which now feels like a distant memory for the soldier confined in captivity. The poem’s emotions are raw and genuine, flowing naturally from the poet’s thoughts. The longing begins when he hears the folk song, and from there, his memories rush forth, first with the landscape, then the figures of the people: from the laborers in the fields to the most cherished image of his elderly mother. Then, he recalls his life before captivity, the days when his hair blew freely in the vast sky of freedom. Finally, as the poet returns to his present reality, the heavy weight of yearning for his homeland is ever present in his heart.

The poem's progression mirrors this yearning: starting from the present and moving back to the past, before finally returning to the present. It is a cyclical longing, filled with both sorrow and a burning desire for freedom. The poet’s longing for the past not only evokes nostalgia but is also filled with pain, regret, and a thirst for freedom. Beneath all this is a deep sense of injustice and indignation at his current state.

Although the poem is titled "Remembering the Fields", the emotions and imagery transcend mere nostalgia for the fields. It encapsulates a longing for life, a deep desire for freedom, and a profound discontent with the current reality.

The poem "Remembering the Fields" was written when the poet was imprisoned in Thừa Phú Prison (Huế). The entire poem reflects the thoughts of a soldier-poet who had a deep connection to nature, life, and the people of his homeland.

In the solitary afternoons of confinement, the poet's longing for his homeland emerges from a familiar sound: a folk song, "the echoing song", "reaching into the prison." In that moment, memories of the countryside flood his mind. The chorus goes:

- What is deeper than those long afternoons of yearning?

Loneliness echoes through the sound of a folk song!

- What could be lonelier than those quiet, desolate afternoons?

Oh, the fields of my homeland, how I long for you!

The image of the countryside, the village, and the people gradually take shape in the soldier’s memory, someone deeply attached to his homeland.

Images, sounds, colors, and scents of rural life flood his thoughts: the fragrant wind of the fields, the cool bamboo groves, the lush green rice paddies, the sweet potatoes, the thatched villages, the gentle sway of the rice, the sound of water-filled carts, the voice of a song echoing through the fields… Even within the prison, the poet’s bond with life outside remains strong.

In his yearning and love for his homeland, both the people and the land come to life with vivid clarity. The deepest sense of longing in "Remembering the Fields" is for the hardworking farmers, humble and kind, enduring sun and rain, who are the true masters of the land, creating crops and life—the quiet, steady hope of the countryside:

Where are the bent backs tilling the soil?

Where the scent of hope rises from the earth?

And where have those hands gone?

Sowing seeds into the sky in the morning light?

This passage etches an image of strength into the earth itself, depicting the eternal beauty of labor, creating life and instilling hope for the future.

Repetition of phrases like "Where are..." and "Where have they gone..." deepens the sense of longing and ache. "Remembering the Fields" is the longing for everything that makes life outside prison meaningful, which the soldier-poet is now separated from. The deep sadness and yearning are genuine and palpable.

The second part of the poem marks a shift in the poet’s thoughts. After the intense sadness, the soldier reflects on his past, the time when he followed the revolutionary cause and the Party, as an awakening of reason that refuses to let him drown in nostalgia.

Thus, the poet begins to crave freedom again, longing to escape the prison and return to the struggle. The image of a skylark "Singing joyously in the sunlight of the fields – high above in the vast sky" embodies the romantic, soaring spirit and sharply contrasts the brutal reality of "the prisoner's plight".

The soldier’s inner journey is vividly expressed in the poem: his longing awakened by "a distant, haunting folk song." The song brings the countryside to life, from the familiar sights of hardworking people to the elderly mothers left alone. He remembers the days of freedom, then returns to the harsh present of imprisonment, determined to endure, live with purpose, and trust in the future.

Like the other poems in the collection "From Here", "Remembering the Fields" brings a unique revolutionary, lyrical self-consciousness to Vietnamese poetry before 1945.

Tố Hữu is a prominent poet in Vietnamese literature, known for his deeply emotional and lyrical poetry. His work is inseparable from the revolutionary cause of national liberation, reflecting the spirit of a steadfast revolutionary and the soul of his time. Tố Hữu’s poetry embodies the enduring humanistic traditions and the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people. He is truly a leading figure in the Vietnamese revolutionary poetry movement. Among his many distinguished works, one of the most remarkable is 'Nhớ đồng' (Remembering the Field). In this poem, the inspiration for the verses arises from the familiar sounds of his homeland, especially the folk songs that have always been an intrinsic part of the poet’s life. The poet's upbringing in the poetic and melodic land of Huế, with its beloved folk tunes like Nam ai, Nam bình, and mái nhì, likely fostered his deep connection to the sounds of rural life. These sounds and songs carry great emotional weight for the young poet imprisoned far from his homeland. 'Nhớ đồng' is a poem that expresses the loneliness and longing of a young revolutionary imprisoned and separated from the vibrant life of his people, friends, and comrades. While 'Tâm tư trong tù' (Thoughts in Prison) portrays a lively and intense sense of longing, 'Nhớ đồng' conveys a more profound, melancholic, and deep sense of nostalgia. The poem reflects the poet's yearning for his homeland, family, and the warmth of his people's affection. The first three stanzas revolve around the repeated rhetorical question 'What is deeper than...' followed by four stanzas in the final section that express the poet's current reflections. The repetition of rhetorical questions in the poem underscores the intensity of the poet's longing, especially when the phrases 'What is deeper than...' emphasize the depth of his emotional pain. This rhetorical structure conveys the poet's despair, like a question lodged in his heart. The poet recalls the sound of the folk songs from his homeland, just as the familiar sounds in 'Tâm tư trong tù' brought back memories of the world beyond the prison walls. These sounds serve as a touchstone to the poet’s deep connection to his rural roots, helping him keep alive the images of his homeland, his people, and his memories. The fields, homes, and daily life of his beloved village, including the hardworking villagers, the rice fields, and the familiar paths, are all immortalized in the poet's memory. He describes the rural landscape with vivid imagery, evoking the natural beauty and the deep bonds that tie him to his homeland. The poet's reflections are filled with longing, as he feels the distance between himself and his homeland grow with each passing moment. In the lines 'Where is the wind in the dunes?', 'Where are the bamboo groves?', 'Where is the green rice field?', the poet's repeated questions reflect his longing and unfulfilled desire to return to a place that now seems distant and unreachable due to the prison walls. The poem also touches on the enduring, simple beauty of the lives of the peasants, despite their harsh, laborious existence. The poet affectionately remembers the farmers working tirelessly on their land, their humble, stoic nature, and the honest, loving spirit that characterizes their lives. These simple, labor-intensive images symbolize the endurance of human dignity and affection, even in the face of suffering and hardship. The final part of the poem reflects on the poet's personal journey and his search for enlightenment. It contrasts the dark days of confusion and the inability to escape the constraints of his previous life with the joy and hope that came with his discovery of the revolutionary ideal. The shift in tone from despair to optimism marks a turning point in the poet’s internal development. The concluding lines express his renewed vigor and his deep connection to his homeland, which he now approaches with renewed hope, drawing strength from the revolutionary cause. In conclusion, 'Nhớ đồng' not only expresses the deep, yearning nostalgia of a young revolutionary prisoner, but also emphasizes his burning desire for freedom and his undying love for his people and homeland. Tố Hữu’s poetry reflects his deep commitment to his country's liberation and the deep bonds that tie him to his past, his people, and his ideals.

'From There' can be seen as the first fruits that Tố Hữu harvested and offered to the world. In this collection of poems, we not only encounter a young man passionate about the revolution and ideals but also the image of a revolutionary soldier living and fighting. Therefore, 'From There' not only features poems brimming with emotions and idealism but also poems that record the hardships of war and imprisonment, among which the poem 'Nhớ đồng' (Remembering the Field) stands out.

The poem was written in July 1939, four months after the poet was arrested and imprisoned by the French colonialists. The entire poem expresses a deep sense of longing. The opening lines use comparisons to express the poet's feelings of loneliness:

What is deeper than those afternoons filled with longing

Desolate, within the sound of a lonely call!

The poet seems to ask himself, then affirm his own feelings. This is the loneliness, the desolate emptiness, and the aching yearning. The verse is like a mournful sigh, filled with yearning. It reminds us of the image of the communist soldier, first thrown into prison, as seen in the poem 'Tâm tư trong tù' (Thoughts in Prison):

However, at this point, we not only feel the loneliness but also the deep sorrow, the desolation that chills the soul, and the longing that seems to tear at the heart. After the first two lines that reveal the poet’s inner confession, he goes on to show us the revolutionary’s deep yearning:

Where is the wind still fragrant with the earth's scent?

Where is the bamboo grove cool and peaceful as before?

Where are the lush green rice fields?

Where are the sweet potato and cassava fields?

Where are the paths once walked, so far away?

The small village with its humble thatched houses, sleeping in peace

Amidst the gloomy days and months

Unchanged, yet they keep flowing…

The space in the poem expands outwards, representing the poet's beloved homeland, where the familiar scent of the earth, the cool bamboo groves, the lush rice fields, and the humble thatched houses bring back memories. This expanded space reflects the poet’s expanding sense of longing.

Notably, the poet uses the word 'Where' repeatedly before each familiar image. However, here, the poet is not just searching for their physical locations but questioning himself, rummaging through his memory for what is lost. The word 'Where' evokes a sense of loss and emptiness.

The repetition of 'Where' five times intensifies the longing, amplifying the poet’s inner sense of loss and sadness. Thus, the feeling of yearning becomes a palpable ache. The longing is further stretched and deepened by:

Amidst the gloomy days and months

Unchanged, yet they keep flowing…

These two stanzas poignantly summarize the deep longing for the homeland and the fields. This longing rises up, expressed through a poignant cry:

What is deeper than those afternoons filled with longing

Oh, the beloved fields of the homeland, how I long for you!

Once again, the comparison expresses the solitude and emptiness. The repetition of 'Oh' and 'longing' in the same verse intensifies the poet’s yearning.

Remembering the fields, the poet also directs his longing toward the people: the hardworking individuals bending over to plow the fields and scatter seeds. But all of this is now only in his memories, only the longing remains. Now, the landscape and people appear as mere shadows of the past, reflecting the poet's state of mind:

Where are the afternoons when dew covered the fields?

When the sound of the wind gently rustled by the riverbanks

Where the sound of a boat cutting through the water was heard

A voice calling out with a soulful song.

All these images of people in the poet’s mind heighten the intensity of his longing for the life left behind. Everything is gone now, only memories remain, and they scratch at the poet’s heart, forever out of reach. Once again, the poet exclaims:

What is deeper than those afternoons filled with longing

Desolate, within the sound of a lonely call!

The repetition of this line deepens the poet's sense of longing and solitude. All memories seem to vanish, and the poet returns to the harsh present reality, realizing:

Where are the familiar shapes, where have they all gone?

Why are they so distant, so far away?

Oh, how I miss them, oh how I miss them!

Oh, mother, so far away, lonely!

Perhaps this is the cry of longing, the voice of sorrow for being imprisoned. The revolutionary soldier suddenly realizes how distant the reality has become. This realization makes the yearning even more intense. In just one verse, the poet expresses longing twice. The word 'Oh' heightens the aching sense of sorrow.

Through this longing for the homeland, we not only see the image of a revolutionary soldier in prison, but also the deep affection for the homeland, the connection with the working people, always yearning for life beyond the bars. This is a fundamental and familiar aspect of the image of a communist revolutionary in Tố Hữu's poetry.

After these moments of yearning, the poet turns inward and begins reflecting on himself. The final stanzas clearly show this realization:

First, the poet recalls his former self:

Where are the old days when I remembered myself?

When I was confused, searching for a reason to live

Wandering aimlessly, lost in circles

Wanting to escape, but alas, I couldn’t move forward.

This is a reflection on the poet’s past struggles, when he was lost and uncertain about life, before discovering the communist ideal. Words like 'wandering,' 'confused,' and 'lost in circles' accurately capture the poet’s sense of confusion at that time.

The phrase 'I remembered myself' echoes a deep realization, lamenting the repetitive, aimless life. The next verse shifts to a completely different tone, filled with enthusiasm:

Then one day, I saw myself

Light as a bird flying high

Reveling in the joy of my homeland, singing and laughing

Under the vast sky of the heavens.

The poet remembers the day he found himself, the day he discovered his purpose and happiness. This is the moment of enlightenment, a moment of fulfillment. The poet compares this joy to a bird flying gracefully in the sky.

This is a unique comparison. The joy and happiness are delicately conveyed through words like 'reveling in the joy of the fields,' 'singing and laughing,' and 'the vast sky.' Especially in the line 'light as a bird flying high,' Tố Hữu uses six even tones, capturing the buoyancy of the poet’s soul, one filled with idealism. Returning to the harsh reality, the poet is once again filled with emotions:

Until now, until now

I dream through the prison door every day.

I gather everything in silence

Like a sad bird, longing for the wind and clouds.

The opening line of the stanza expresses a lament. It’s a reflection on the sorrowful past, and the repetition of 'until now' emphasizes the poet's sorrow. At this point, his soul yearns for life outside the prison walls.

However, the entire stanza carries the feeling of being confined, imprisoned, and stifled in silence. If earlier, the bird symbolized the soaring joy of idealism, now it represents the poet's sorrow. Through this, we perceive the revolutionary soldier’s desire for freedom. The poem concludes with the chorus repeated for the second time:

What is deeper than those afternoons filled with longing

Oh, the beloved fields of the homeland, how I long for you!

This refrain gives the poem a unique structure: it begins and ends with loneliness and yearning. Therefore, it can be said that longing is the dominant theme throughout the 44 lines of the poem.

'Remembering the Fields'—the title of the poem—opens with an overwhelming sense of longing. But this poem is not just about yearning for the homeland and idealistic people; it also portrays the beauty of the revolutionary soldier’s spirit, both in Tố Hữu’s poetry and in the poetry of all Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers.

Tố Hữu is one of the prominent poets in modern Vietnamese literature. His poetry is filled with revolutionary ideals and faith. His poetry collection 'From Then' epitomizes his passionate spirit, and the poem 'Remembering the Field' is one of the best examples of this fervent soul.

The poem was written during the time when Tố Hữu was imprisoned. It expresses the deep longing and homesickness of the poet, who was yearning for his homeland. The poem begins with a tone of nostalgia, like a sweet song of love, reflecting the profound loneliness and yearning of a revolutionary soldier:

"What is deeper than these midday memories

Lonely in the sound of a distant chant?"

The poet's unique comparison evokes an intense feeling of longing. Nothing is more sorrowful than a midday spent yearning for one's homeland. The more one recalls, the more one feels alone, and the vastness of the longing only amplifies the isolation, as the poet's surroundings are cold and lonely in his confinement. That yearning is relentless, as images of his homeland flood his heart. The memories grow heavier:

"Where is the fragrant wind, the scent of the earth?

Where are the bamboo groves that once shaded the land?

Where are the green rice paddies so fresh and vivid?

Where are the sweet potato fields?

Where are the endless paths through the fields?

The humble cottages sleeping in silence?

In this gloomy stream of time

Nothing changes, it just flows on."

His homeland is filled with unforgettably beautiful scenes that can never be replaced. These are the most beautiful things that belong only to one's homeland, things that no other place can offer. The gentle breeze carries the scent of the fertile soil, and the green bamboo groves offer shade in the summer afternoons.

The poet also recalls the lush green rice fields, where the hardworking farmers toil under the sun and rain. These humble, honest people have a love for life, a deep connection to their land. These memories of sweet potatoes and humble thatched houses, though simple and poor, are filled with love and warmth. The emotions stirred by these memories surge within the poet's heart, and his words carry the deepest feelings of his soul.

The repetition of the word 'Where' serves as both a rhetorical question and a search for something familiar from the past, a time before war, loss, and pain. Where are those scenes of the past? Why does the present feel so empty and distant?

Not only the landscape but also the people of the homeland are part of the poet's memories. The hardworking, patient laborers who continue their fight despite all hardships, dedicating themselves to their work. The poet refers to them with love and respect.

"Where are the afternoons misty on the fields,

Where rice sways gently beside the river,

Where the sound of water being carried fills the air,

And a voice chants mournfully in the distance."

Despite the hardships, the farmers maintain their optimism, carrying on with their work while their chants drive away the gloom. The memories of those times still linger, still vivid in the poet's mind. As his longing grows, the memories flood back, and once again, the poet is overcome with emotion:

"What is deeper than these midday memories

Lonely beside the river with a chant?"

So many beautiful images of the past resurface, making the poet long for them even more. But one cannot live forever in the past; the present forces the poet to confront the challenges and struggles of life:

"Where are the familiar faces, where are they now?

Why are they so distant, so far away?

Oh, how the yearning grows, oh how it grows!

Oh, my mother, now far and lonely!"

The harsh reality of the present is felt strongly by the poet. He is left alone, separated from the familiar and comforting things of the past. The pain of separation grows stronger, and only the memory of his mother remains, distant and unreachable. The poet's exclamations 'Oh, how' and 'Oh' are full of sorrow, and one can almost feel the deep sadness that permeates his heart.

Tố Hữu, a poet and revolutionary, loved his homeland with all his heart. His soul always yearned for his roots, for his people and his country, standing in solidarity with the laboring masses. Even in prison, he never stopped thinking about the struggles outside, the pain of his people. Tố Hữu not only missed his homeland and his people but also longed for the days gone by, as expressed in his words:

"Where are the old days, I remember them?

When I wandered seeking the meaning of life,

Endlessly going in circles,

Trying to escape but never moving forward."

Everyone has a past, and so does Tố Hữu. The poet recalls the struggles of his youth, searching for the meaning of life, but he was always stuck in a cycle, unable to find an escape. But eventually, everything passes, and life becomes better when one finds their revolutionary ideals:

"Then one day, I saw myself,

Light as a bird soaring above,

Filled with the joy of my homeland's sunshine,

Under the vast, endless sky."

His heart is filled with excitement and joy, having found his purpose in life. This sense of happiness and pride in his choice bursts forth like a joyful melody in the midst of life. There is no greater joy than living authentically, feeling light-hearted and true to oneself. The comparison of his newfound lightness to a bird soaring is both striking and beautiful, symbolizing the poet's personal happiness and his connection to nature and the world.

"What is deeper than these midday memories

Oh, the fields of my homeland, how I long for you!"

The poem concludes with the poet repeating these words, filled with an unyielding sense of longing and love. Perhaps, this yearning will always burn brightly in the heart of a poet who loves his country dearly.

To Huu (1920 - 2002), whose real name was Nguyen Kim Thanh, was born into a poor Confucian family in Phu Lai village, Quang Tho commune, Quang Dien district, Thua Thien - Hue province. At the age of sixteen, he was awakened to the revolutionary cause and joined the Communist Youth Union. At eighteen, he became a member of the Indochinese Communist Party. To Huu's life was inseparable from his struggle for national liberation. He witnessed, participated in, and contributed to this long process as both a steadfast revolutionary soldier and a poet whose work embodied the spirit of his era. His poetry brought together and distilled the humanistic tradition and the spiritual strength of the indomitable Lac Hong race. He truly deserves to be regarded as the leader of revolutionary Vietnamese poetry. "From That Time" (1937 - 1946) was To Huu's first collection of poems, marking a pivotal moment in his life: his awakening to communist ideals and his resolute decision to follow the only true path—the revolutionary struggle to liberate the nation from colonial and feudal oppression. The poem "Remembering the Fields" was written during his imprisonment in the Thua Phu prison (Hue) in July 1939, charged with propagating anti-French sentiments among young people and students. Whereas the poem "Thoughts in Prison" drew inspiration from familiar sounds from the outside world, "When the Cuckoo Calls" was born from the sound of the cuckoo signaling the arrival of summer, the poem "Remembering the Fields" was inspired by the familiar sounds of the folk songs from his homeland that stirred the poet's soul. To Huu was a child of Hue. From a young age, his spirit was nurtured by the pure, sweet melodies of famous folk songs like Nam Ai, Nam Binh, Mai Nhi, and Mai Day. Therefore, the sound of the folk songs held profound meaning for the young poet imprisoned in a foreign land. The singing awakened in him the images of life and the beloved homeland. "Remembering the Fields" reflects the solitary and sorrowful feelings of a young prisoner separated from his active revolutionary life and far from his beloved people and comrades. In "Thoughts in Prison," this sentiment is portrayed more passionately, whereas in "Remembering the Fields," it is expressed in a deeper and more sorrowful tone. The title "Remembering the Fields" is a metaphor for the specific object of longing. While the poem evokes familiar images of fields and villages, it also symbolizes the poet's longing for his homeland, his family, and the warmth of love and affection. The poem can be divided into four sections. The first three sections express three distinct feelings of longing, introduced by the repeated rhetorical question: "What is deeper than..." The final section, consisting of four stanzas and two lines, concludes the poet's emotions in the present. The longing throughout the poem is conveyed through various artistic techniques. First, the rhetorical questions serve as a refrain: "What is deeper than those sorrowful afternoons, What is deeper than those lonely afternoons?" These lines carry the modern poetic flavor of the New Poetry movement, expressing the poet's intense yearning and the profound solitude of a revolutionary youth in the imperialist prison. The refrain "What is deeper than" emphasizes the profound intensity of the poet's longing. The poet uses the metaphor of the oppressive heat of the afternoon to convey the painful isolation he feels in solitary confinement. The trigger for this deep yearning is the familiar folk song of his hometown, similar to the sound of wooden clogs depicted in "Thoughts in Prison." These are the sounds of everyday life that continue to echo in the poet's memory. While imprisoned, the poet's soul constantly reaches out to the life beyond the prison walls, filled with longing and love for his homeland. The sound of the folk song reverberating across the river reminds the poet of the simple life he left behind, creating vivid mental images of his laborious yet beautiful homeland: "What is deeper than those sorrowful afternoons," "Lonely inside with the sound of a folk song!" "Where is the breeze from the sand dunes, sweet with the scent of the earth?" "Where are the reed fields, breathing peace and joy?" "Where are the tender rice paddies, lush and green?" "Where are the sweet potato fields, full of flavor?" "Where are the roads where children walk through all their lives?" "Where are the humble houses, resting peacefully?" The poem paints a picture of the natural beauty and rural life of the poet's homeland, a small village with lush green dunes, the An Cuu Bridge, and the quiet Hương Giang River. It is a scene of serenity and warmth. Yet, the poet, separated by the prison walls, feels a deep sense of distance from his beloved homeland. The rhetorical questions, repeated throughout the poem, reflect his unending yearning and painful longing. "Where is the breeze from the sand dunes," "Where are the reed fields," "Where are the tender rice paddies," "Where are the sweet potato fields," "Where are the roads where children walk through life," "Where are the humble houses?" To Huu cherishes and reveres these simple and familiar images of everyday life in his poetry. Though he can only capture these images and sounds in his mind's eye, he treasures them deeply. He can no longer experience them physically, but they live on in his heart. The tone of the poem is one of deep emotion, filled with longing, as the poet's feelings surge and pour out through his heartfelt words: "What is deeper than those lonely afternoons," "Oh, the fields of my homeland, how I miss you!" The poet expresses a deep affection for the hardworking farmers, who toil under the sun and rain throughout the year. Despite their hardships, their strength and resilience are matched only by their deep connection to the land. The poem recalls the humble yet beautiful images of these farmers: "Where are the hunched backs working the fields," "With the mud's fragrance rising up in the morning?" "And where are the hands sowing the seeds," "Scattering them to the sky in the early mornings?" "Where are the misty afternoons on the fields," "With the rice swaying by the riverbank," "Echoing the sound of the water-driven rice threshing cart," "With the echo of the folk song, bringing deep sorrow." The image of the aging mother and departed loved ones gradually emerge from the poet's memories, making his longing even more poignant. His heart aches as he recalls these cherished figures, heightening the depth of his sorrow and yearning: "Where is the familiar figure, where has it gone?" "Why is it so distant, so far away?" "Oh, the sorrow of longing, oh, the yearning," "Oh, my old mother, so far, so alone!" "Where are the souls of the ancestors from the past?" "The simple and kind souls, who braved the winds and rains," "The souls of the honest and humble people," "Whose love for the land is sincere and deep!" The repeated use of the interrogative "Where" at the beginning of each line, combined with exclamations of sorrow, naturally and realistically expresses the poet's profound emotional connection to the people and life of his homeland. It seems that the young communist revolutionary is lost in an endless cycle of memories, his heart overwhelmed with nostalgia, deeply immersed in his isolation and pain. After being consumed by the longing for his homeland, the poet reflects on the early days of his awakening to revolutionary ideals. The emotional progression of the poem follows a logical psychological development. The poet summarizes the two stages of his journey toward enlightenment in two stanzas: "Where are the old days, I remember myself," "Wandering in search of a reason to love life," "Aimlessly going in circles," "Wanting to escape, but alas, not moving forward." These were the days when the young patriotic student was uncertain about the direction of his life. He wanted to escape the suffocating conditions but had yet to discover the way forward, as he had not yet encountered the light of communist ideals. Reflecting on these dark days helps him appreciate the immense happiness that comes with the discovery of truth. Recalling his early days of passionate involvement in the revolutionary movement, full of hope and optimism, further highlights his present dismal circumstances. The poet experiences a moment of clarity, suddenly awakening from his long immersion in sorrow and memory, returning to his passion for the cause of freedom and action. The poem's tone shifts from sadness to joy and excitement: "Then one day, I saw myself," "Light and free, like a bird gliding through the air," "Singing songs of joy," "Under the vast and boundless sky..." The emotional progression of the poem unfolds from the poet's longing for his homeland, to the memories of familiar faces, the longing for his mother, the departed, and the past. It ultimately culminates in a sense of fulfillment and hope: "Until now, until now," "I dream through the prison's doors each day," "I embrace everything in silence," "Like a sorrowful bird yearning for the wind and clouds." The comparison "Like a sorrowful bird yearning for the wind and clouds" symbolizes the poet's deep longing for his homeland, his people, and his comrades, as well as his strong desire for freedom while enduring the harsh prison conditions. The two final lines repeat the opening lines, creating a circular structure. The poem closes, but the poet's emotions continue to expand like waves rippling outward, growing stronger with each passing moment: "What is deeper than those lonely afternoons," "Oh, the fields of my homeland, how I miss you!" "Remembering the Fields" successfully captures the mood of a revolutionary prisoner. The repetition of longing emphasizes the poet's burning desire for freedom and his deep love for his homeland. It is this driving force that compels the revolutionary poet to continue his quest for the liberation of his country.

Tố Hữu (1920 - 2002) came from a poor Confucian family in Phu Lai village, Quang Tho commune, Quang Dien district, Thua Thien-Hue province. His life was closely tied to his dedication to the national liberation struggle. He made significant contributions to Vietnamese literature, especially during the revolutionary period. His poetry reflects the courage of a revolutionary soldier and the soul of his era. Tố Hữu's works unite the rich humanistic tradition and the spiritual strength of the Vietnamese people, cementing his place as a leader in revolutionary Vietnamese poetry.

"Remembering the Field" is one of his representative poems, capturing the loneliness and longing of a young prisoner separated from the vibrant world of activism, away from the people and comrades he held dear. This deep, heartfelt longing is powerfully expressed in the poem, conveying a sense of nostalgia for home, for loved ones, and for the warmth of shared affection.

The poem can be divided into four sections. The first three sections express deep yearning, each ending with a rhetorical question: What is deeper than... The final section comprises four stanzas and two concluding lines, which encapsulate the poet's reflections on his current situation. Through a variety of artistic techniques, the sense of longing permeates the poem, beginning with the rhetorical questions that end each stanza: "What is deeper than these nostalgic afternoons? What is deeper than these lonely afternoons?"

The poem incorporates elements of modern poetry, evoking an intense, restless yearning and the deep loneliness of a young man in prison, eagerly awaiting his return to the outside world. The phrase "What is deeper than..." implies that there is nothing more profound or stronger, emphasizing the poet's experience of confinement in a solitary cell.

Tố Hữu uses rhetorical questions combined with powerful adjectives that make the verses feel like an anguished cry from the heart. The familiar Huế folk tune evokes memories of home, much like the sounds of wooden clogs in the poet's earlier work "Reflections in Prison".

These sounds have become ingrained in the poet's memory, much like the distant sound of Huế folk songs or the midday crowing of chickens in Xuân Quỳnh's poetry, which also evokes a sense of longing. The long echoes of the folk songs along the river, fading in and out, revive images of a simple, beloved life in the poet's mind.

What is deeper than these nostalgic afternoons?

Loneliness echoed by a folk song!

Where are the fragrant winds from the dunes?

Where are the cool, peaceful rice fields?

Where are the lush green rice shoots?

Where are the sweet, tender sweet potatoes?

Where are the paths my footsteps have tread?

Where are the humble huts where we slept in silence?

Amidst the gloomy passage of time,

Unchanging, yet ever flowing...

The word "where" appears five times in these ten lines, reflecting the poet's nostalgia for a time long past, reminding him of a world that no longer exists, a world now only alive in his memories. The natural landscape and the poet's village come to life in these verses—small, green hills and fruit-laden trees, with a silent bridge casting a reflection across the slow-moving Hương River.

The scenery is beautiful, and the warmth of the people is deeply felt. But now, home exists only in the poet's mind, surrounded by the four cold walls of a prison. The repeated, lingering questions reflect a sense of longing, restlessness, and an enduring desire to return to his homeland:

What is deeper than these lonely afternoons,

Oh, the fields of my homeland, how I miss you!

The exclamation expresses the poet's inner anguish, which can no longer be contained, spilling out in the cry: "Oh, the fields of my homeland, how I miss you!" He longs for those afternoons of nostalgia, for the familiar sights and the deep affection of his homeland. The harsh life of the peasants is not erased by the poet's longing, yet their strength, simplicity, and warmth remain a profound part of his memories.

Where are the bent backs, tilling the soil?

Where is the fragrant mud, fresh and sweet?

Where are the hands that scatter the seeds?

Where are the mornings when they sowed with hope?

Where are the afternoons when mist covered the fields?

The rice swaying along the riverbanks,

The sound of rice harvesting echoing in the distance,

And the familiar folk songs that fill the air.

The familiar figures emerge—his elderly mother, the memories of stormy days, the warm affection of loved ones, and the tender, heartfelt bonds that fill the poet's memory. But all of this is now only a dream:

Where are the familiar faces, all gone now?

Why such distance, why so far away?

Oh, how I miss them, how I long for them,

Oh, my dear mother, so far and alone.

Where are the spirits of those long gone?

Where are those familiar souls, weathered by wind and rain?

Where are the honest, humble spirits?

The sweet, simple love of the land and people!

It seems that the soldier is lost in the depths of longing, wandering through memories that seem endless. The reader can deeply feel the prisoner's loneliness and suffering, trapped in his own emotions, unable to escape. But the crucial point of this longing is that, despite it all, the poet comes to understand his revolutionary ideals:

Where are the days of old, I remember them?

Wandering, searching for the meaning of life?

Endlessly circling, never finding peace,

Wanting to escape, but unable to move forward.

These were the days when the young patriot, lost in the many paths of life, sought freedom, unsure of how to escape the stifling confines of his situation. The poet recalls these dark days to more clearly understand the immense happiness of being guided by the revolutionary ideals of Communism.

Tố Hữu remembers the early days of his passionate journey on the revolutionary path, full of hope and optimism, only to later confront the harsh reality of his present situation. The poet awakens after being immersed in his long, sorrowful longing, returning to his revolutionary ideals, craving freedom and action.

Then one day, I found myself

Light as a bird, carefree and soaring

Singing joyously in the warm, sunlit fields

High in the vast, endless sky...

The mood of the poem, which began in sadness, suddenly shifts to joy and enthusiasm. The emotion changes from a longing for home and familiar faces to a renewed focus on the poet's ideals:

And now, here I am, here I am!

I dream of escaping through the prison gate,

Quietly gathering all my thoughts in silence,

Like a bird longing for the wind and clouds.

The vast longing is likened to the image of a bird yearning for the wind and clouds, capturing the essence of the poet's longing for freedom, for his homeland, and for the comrades who share his ideals. It is a longing for liberation, for a future where he can soar towards his noble ideals.

The final two lines repeat the opening lines, using a circular structure. The poem ends, but the poet's emotions continue to expand and resonate:

What is deeper than these lonely afternoons?

Oh, the fields of my homeland, how I miss you!

"Remembering the Field" successfully expresses the emotional state of the communist prisoner, capturing the deep, authentic feelings of longing, the relentless desire for freedom, and the profound love for the homeland of a young revolutionary, brimming with passion. These emotions drive the poet's resolve to overcome adversity and challenges.

Tố Hữu is a renowned poet in modern Vietnamese poetry. With seven major volumes of work, his poetry is considered a chronicle of the Vietnamese Revolution, written in verse. For Tố Hữu, the path of poetry is intertwined with the revolutionary journey. His poetry runs parallel to the revolutionary course, reflecting significant milestones in the national revolution. The poem "Remembering the Field" conveys a deep longing for the countryside, its people, and the comrades of a young communist prisoner during his confinement at the Thua Thien Hue prison.

In July 1939, Tố Hữu was arrested by the French colonizers and imprisoned in Thua Thien Hue. Although imprisoned, he continued to write poetry. "Remembering the Field" was written during this time and is included in his poetry collection "From There," in the section on chains. It is a representative poem from this collection.

"How lonely is the life of a prisoner/ Ears open wide, heart burning with passion..." These lines capture the most vivid feeling when Tố Hữu was imprisoned, separated from the outside world. Therefore, every sound, every noise from the outside reminded the poet of a deep longing. It is not the sound of a cuckoo calling for summer, as in his poem "When the Cuckoo Calls," but the familiar echo of a rural song:

Nothing compares to those afternoons full of longing

Desolate, with a distant song echoing!

The poem repeatedly evokes this familiar sound, which becomes a refrain, symbolizing the poet’s sorrow and the loneliness he feels as a prisoner.

The song serves as a focal point, bringing back familiar images of the countryside:

Where is the fragrant breeze blowing across the fields?

Where are the shade-covered areas, breathing peaceful joy?

Where are the lush, green rice fields?

Where are the sweet potato and cassava fields?

The sound of the song stirs memories of home.

The world outside is the countryside, with its people, scents, colors, and sounds. These are the familiar, deeply cherished images of the homeland. In separation, the poet’s longing seems to grow stronger. The sights, smells, sounds, and colors of home feel even more intimate and unusual in their absence.

This longing for the countryside also reflects the poet’s yearning for the laboring people – the hardworking, simple villagers, enduring "in the wind and rain," "as gentle as the earth," "honest and true":

Where are the backs bent over the plowing fields?

Where is the scent of soil, brimming with hope?

And where are those hands?

Spreading seeds that reach the sky every morning?

These are the farmers who toil all year round, their faces to the earth and backs to the sky. Despite the hardships, they embody a pure beauty, their souls fragrant even amidst the mud. They are the ones who sow hope for the future.

The poet continues to reflect on his deep nostalgia for images like mist, rice, the sound of water-laden carts, and the song of rural life. Each of these images and sounds is a cherished part of the countryside. In the face of such nostalgia, he thinks about his own imprisonment, and a moment of sorrow creeps into his revolutionary heart:

Where is the familiar figure, where is it now?

Why is it so far, so distant?

Oh, how I long for it, how I long for it!

Oh, dear mother, alone and far away!

Everything that was once familiar, once beloved, is now lost. The question "Where is it now?" rings out unanswered, like a dagger to the heart of the prisoner, filled with pain and regret. Everything has become distant and foreign in his prison. The repeated refrain "Oh, how I long for it!" reveals the deep and unrelenting longing of the poet. And in this longing, the image of his elderly mother appears, the one he misses most in his memories.

The poem continues with the poet’s heart-wrenching yearning. When one longs for something or someone, unable to see them, unable to return to them, the longing becomes more intense, stirring deep emotions within the heart. And after moments of sorrow for his plight in prison, the revolutionary soldier’s love for life re-emerges, urging him to fight against moments of weakness and strive to overcome them.

He recalls his image from "the old days," when he was still uncertain and searching for the meaning of life, "wandering aimlessly" until he found his way to the revolution, meeting the ideals of communism. And thus, the prisoner again longs for freedom, wishing to escape the prison and continue the struggle for the revolutionary cause.

Then one day, I see myself

Light as a lark flying free

Lost in the scent of the fields, singing joyfully

Up in the vast sky above...

The image of the skylark symbolizes the desire to soar in the boundless sky of freedom, to return to the activities of the people, to live a free life once again. This is the happiest feeling of the revolutionary prisoner.

The poet’s emotional journey in this poem is presented in a sincere, complete, and smooth progression. His longing is awakened by a "song of longing," which calls forth the world of the countryside, from the scenery to the familiar figures. Then, he reflects on the time when he was active in the revolution, only to return to the painful reality of prison and his burning desire for freedom and contribution.

The entire poem is imbued with deep, unrelenting longing, making readers admire the image of the revolutionary soldier – poet Tố Hữu.