Top 10 Best Essays on the Reflections of the Essay 'My Spring' by Vu Bang

Perhaps spring is a theme that evokes many emotions in writers and artists. Vu Bang is one of the authors who has beautifully captured the essence of spring with his poetic and graceful style. Known for his literary sketches and short essays, he has painted a vivid picture of spring in northern Vietnam through his work 'My Spring'.

'My Spring' is a series of thoughtful reflections on the author’s deep and tender feelings about the season. It describes the harmonious transition of nature and the world as a new year and spring season dawn upon us with warmth and hope. Through his gentle and soothing prose, Vu Bang draws readers into a peaceful, beautiful, and vibrant spring filled with life. Spring is, after all, the most delightful, poetic, and charming season of the year.

Throughout the essay, the author expresses his sincere affection for the northern spring, blending seamlessly with nature, the sky, and the people. From the very first lines, Vu Bang paints the distinct weather of northern spring with 'drizzling rain and cool breezes', something unique to this region. This distinctive feature sets the stage for the author to depict many more captivating aspects of the season, such as the sounds of birds calling, the music of love songs, and the warm scent of incense, all blending together to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. Perhaps it is these simple yet heartfelt moments that make the author deeply yearn for the springtime.

Spring is not only beautiful in its natural scenery but also in the warmth and passion it evokes in the hearts of people. Vu Bang writes, 'I cannot stay still. The energy inside me is like blood rushing.' Spring stirs the human heart, making it race, yearn, and come alive. 'When spring arrives, it seems the heart becomes younger and beats faster than in the cold winter months.' Unlike the harsh chill of winter, the coolness of spring is gentle and sweet. With his delicate perceptions, rich poetic language, and unique metaphors, Vu Bang invites readers to reflect on past springs, on the springs of their homeland, and on the expansive beauty of the human heart.

Indeed, 'My Spring' by Vu Bang offers a delicate, pure, and refreshing perspective on the season. It evokes the pure, sweet sounds of spring, reminding readers of the beauty and simplicity of life during this time of the year.

Spring is a season of reunion, a time when families come together and share warm affections. The sight of swallows flying and the blooming peach and apricot flowers are the first signs of the season. The light drizzle of spring rain feels different from other times, not too heavy nor too light, as if to soothe the air and enhance the coolness of the season. Young branches stretch out to embrace the fresh, pure energy of the earth and sky, sprouting new life.

Spring is also the time for traditional Tet celebrations, where families gather around the pot of sticky rice cakes, with the warm glow of the fire. Tables are adorned with offerings of fruit and branches of apricot flowers, creating a truly traditional Tet atmosphere. With his delicate skill and creativity, Vu Bang composed 'My Spring' as a tribute to the memories and moments he cherished of Hanoi's springtime.

Excerpted from his essay 'January dreams of the new moon, sweet cold', found in the collection 'The Twelve Months of Longing', 'My Spring' was written during a time of national division, when Vu Bang lived in the area controlled by the American-backed regime. In such circumstances, his love for his homeland grew even stronger and more intense. Through his writing, he poured his deep longing and memories of Hanoi's spring, a time of peace and beauty, into the pages of his book.

With his masterful use of comparisons, Vu Bang likens his love for Hanoi’s spring to other deep, unexplainable affections: 'Who can stop one from loving their country, the flowers, the moon, or a young girl dreaming of her beloved? Who can stop someone from yearning for spring?' These abstract feelings are made tangible in his work, with emotions hidden beneath the surface of his words.

The essay paints a clear picture of everyday life, along with the familiar scenes of spring. These images are simple yet vivid, reflecting the elegance and charm of the people of Hanoi. The term 'drizzling rain' evokes a gentle nostalgia. Not only does the spring rain play a role, but the sounds of 'cheo drums' in the distance and the heartfelt songs remind us of the deep connections the author feels to the land and its people.

With its soft yet profoundly poetic tone, 'My Spring' brings a fresh perspective on a very personal yet familiar spring in Hanoi. The love for one's homeland and people resonates through every word, creating vivid images that make the piece deeply memorable for readers.

Spring brings warmth to our hearts and fosters a sense of togetherness. When we think of spring, images of swallows flying and the yellow apricot flowers or peach blossoms come to mind. At times, the spring rains carry their own unique character, unlike any other season. The spring rain dances playfully on fresh young branches, nourishing them with the essence of the earth and sky, waking them from their long winter slumber to bloom and begin anew.

Spring is also the time of Tet, a traditional Vietnamese celebration where families gather around the green sticky rice cakes and a table full of fruit offerings. Bằng Việt, like many others, also spent his spring away from home, and it was during this time that he wrote 'My Spring' to capture his cherished memories of Hanoi's spring—the season of nostalgia, joy, and longing.

This essay is an excerpt from his collection 'January Dreams of the New Moon, Sweet Cold,' which was written during a time of national division, while Bằng Việt was living in the territory occupied by the American-backed regime. In such a place, where the author’s love for his homeland burned intensely, he found no other way to express his emotions but through words. He poured his love and longing for Hanoi’s spring—the spring of his homeland—into the pages of his work.

With his exquisite use of comparison, the author likens his love for Hanoi’s spring to the universal affections that cannot be suppressed: 'Who can stop the mountains from loving the country, the butterfly from loving the flower, or the moon from loving the wind? Who can prevent a girl from loving her sweetheart, or a mother from loving her child? Who can stop someone from longing for spring?' Such feelings, once abstract, now come to life through his vivid expressions.

The arrival of spring evokes in the author vivid memories of daily life and familiar sights of Hanoi’s springtime. These images are not grand, but simple and close to the hearts of every person—just like the gentle, graceful people of Hanoi. It’s the characteristic 'drizzling rain' of Hanoi’s spring, softly falling over the trees and grass, helping them absorb the pure essence of the earth. It’s the cool breeze that accompanies this season. If we walk down the street, we’ll feel the tiny raindrops on our clothes, accompanied by the distant sound of the swallows announcing the arrival of the new year. More than just a recollection of past springs, the author also hears the distant 'cheo drum' and the heartfelt songs of beautiful girls singing their romantic tunes during spring festivals.

Throughout the essay, the author’s gentle, melodic writing, rich with poetic qualities, transports the reader to a joyful, bustling spring, especially for those who, like the author, are far from their homeland. The love for one's country runs deep in every word, with expressions that directly convey the emotions of the author, like 'my spring—the sacred spring of mine.'

Spring for me is the beginning of the essay "January Dreaming of the New Moon and the Sweet Cold" from the literary masterpiece "Longing for Twelve" by the writer Vu Bang. Vu Bang (1913 - 1984) was a Hanoi-born writer and journalist, widely known before 1945. He wrote this work in Saigon during the years when the country was divided, expressing the deep sorrow of separation: missing his wife and children, longing for his family, his homeland, the North, and Hanoi... Every month brought a unique longing, an endless yearning throughout the year.

For Vu Bang, January and the spring season of Hanoi, the Northern spring, felt so nostalgic. This feeling of longing, this beautiful sadness, belonged to a wanderer with a heart full of love for home. "Everyone loves spring" and "is enchanted by spring," making the first month of the season even more endearing. The affection he describes is genuine, "nothing strange about it." Vu Bang's poetic comparisons are sensual and romantic: "Who says the mountains shouldn't love the country, butterflies shouldn't love the flowers, the moon shouldn't love the wind; who can stop it: a man loves a woman, a mother loves her child, a young maiden who hasn't married yet remembers her husband — that's how the heart falls for spring." A charming writing style, overflowing with emotion, the repetitive phrase "who can stop..." emphasizes love and longing in a deeply impactful and moving way.

As a connoisseur of nature's beauty, "loving the green rivers and the purple mountains," very romantic, admiring the beauty of a woman with "eyebrows like a newly shaped crescent moon," and dreaming of his own wishes, Vu Bang confessed that he "loved spring the most, not for those reasons." His writing has a playful rhythm: "I love... I love... and I also dream... those loves." It subtly recalls a line from Nguyen Du's Kiều, a piece of literary artistry.

The spring that Vu Bang most loves and misses is the Northern spring, the spring of Hanoi, where his family and wife awaited him, whom he had been separated from for many years. He missed the "soft rain" and the "cool breeze" of his homeland's spring. He longed for the sounds of spring in the North: "the cries of the swallows in the blue night, the sound of drums echoing from distant villages, the poetic love songs of beautiful village girls..." Vu Bang's longing for Northern Vietnam's spring is passionate and intense. His soul is spread across the scenery and people, from the villages to the sky, from the spring festivals to the sound of drums, to the folk songs of rural women.

The more he loved the landscape, the more he cherished life itself! "This divine spring" was magical. Vu Bang used two comparisons to express this magic: "The life force within us swells like blood rising in the sap of a deer, like the young shoots of trees that can't remain still and must sprout into tiny leaves, waving to the pair of lovebirds standing beside."

Along with the inspiration of spring, Vu Bang noted that in the "sweet chill" of the season, "one's heart seems to rejuvenate, beating stronger," and "yearns for true love," love for others, love for family. In the peaceful family reunion atmosphere of the spring days, people's hearts were "warm, mysteriously warm," and happiness felt like "countless new flowers blooming, butterflies fluttering, hosting a lively celebration."

Sharing in Vu Bang's deep longing, we realize more clearly how much he loved the spring, the landscape, and the people of his homeland, and how much more he cherished life itself. Vu Bang's prose is rich in emotion and lyrical poetry. The poetic quality is soothing and sweet. Let us quietly read and savor together: "How beautiful it is, oh spring — the spring of beloved Hanoi, the cherished North."

He loved the spring of his homeland, but the author "loved the spring most around the middle of January." That time was full of spring fragrances and love. Many beautiful sights lingered. "The peach flowers faded a little but the pistil was still fresh," and the grass emitted a "delicate fragrance." The diligent bee flew off to collect nectar from the heavenly vine. After a spring rain, the spring sky looked stunning. In the early morning, one could see "fresh green streaks appear in the sky." Around eight or nine, "on the clear blue sky, pink rays trembled like the wings of a newly molted cicada." The sweet, rich flavors of a family meal, like a bowl of thinly sliced pork with perilla leaves or crab egg soup with lime, felt like spring had soaked into the dish.

The spring of my homeland reflects Vu Bang's style: an artistic writing style, smooth sentences, rich imagery, clear and deep emotions, with a soft, gentle tone like the spring breeze. For Vu Bang, the love for spring, nature in the North, and Hanoi's spring is intensely passionate and deep; this love is intertwined with countless memories and longings in the heart of a distant traveler.

In the context of a divided country, the author's longing for Hanoi's spring is also a longing for his homeland, his family, and his wife, whom he had been separated from for so many days, nights, and years. Through "Longing for Twelve," the author subtly conveys an unwavering faith in the unity of the country, in the North-South solidarity, and the reunion of a nation that no power, no enemy, can ever divide.

The love for spring is a constant feeling within everyone: "Naturally, everyone loves spring." It is an unchangeable, inherent law of nature, just like humans themselves: "Who says mountains shouldn't love rivers, butterflies shouldn't love flowers, the moon shouldn't love the wind; who can stop a man from loving a woman, a mother from loving her child; who can stop an unmarried girl from thinking of her husband?"... Indeed, no one can dictate it, no one can prevent it, for it is the law of nature! Vu Bang uses a smooth, rhythmic parallel structure to balance pairs like: mountains and rivers, butterflies and flowers, the moon and the wind, men and women, mothers and children...

The author calls the "Northern Spring" and "Hanoi Spring" his "spring," which is quite a special way of referring to it. "My Spring – Northern Spring – Hanoi Spring"... This phrase resonates like a joyful exclamation, yet it seems Vu Bang takes full ownership of spring. But how could it be "his"? Spring belongs to the earth, to nature, to all people, to you and me... So what does this claim really mean?

Vu Bang's claim is truly admirable and understandable, given the special context of his separation from home. Amid his deep longing for Hanoi, he vividly perceives the distinct features of Hanoi's spring — the rain, the cool breeze, the sound of swallows calling, the echo of the drums, and the poetic love songs, all creating a beautiful, dreamy atmosphere. It is also the warmth of family gatherings, the scent of incense, the soft glow of candles, and the sense of closeness that fills the air with love, deeply intertwined with the traditional Vietnamese culture.

The author goes beyond the external surroundings, focusing on the vibrant life that spring brings to nature and the human heart. Spring brings miraculous energy to both the natural world and human beings, transforming perception, thoughts, and feelings. It symbolizes the passionate love for one's homeland, as expressed in Vu Bang's deep, heartfelt yearning. The most striking passage compares spring's life force: "The life force inside swells like blood rising in the sap of a deer..." or "With the return of spring, the heart seems to rejuvenate," "beats stronger" and "longs for true love." The atmosphere of spring is even described as "warm in an unfamiliar way" within each household.

The lyrical, emotional tone of the writing amplifies the eternal vitality of spring, as if the author becomes one with the trees, plants, and animals, bathing in the abundant energy of the season, growing and becoming youthful again with it. "How beautiful! The beloved spring of Hanoi, the cherished spring of Northern Vietnam. But I love it most after the full moon of January." Vu Bang is unique! How many can truly appreciate the beauty of spring after the full moon? This is when Vu Bang feels the earth and nature coming back to life — the delicate fragrance of grass, the changing hues of the "clear sky with rosy light."

Such a sensitive perception, rarely noticed by others! And what’s even more impressive is his appreciation for the simple, everyday beauty of life. The humble, ordinary meals like braised pork with perilla leaves or crab soup with lime — and yet the writer finds the beauty in these simple, daily rituals!

Only someone deeply connected to nature, who truly loves it, who cherishes life and can appreciate the beauty of everyday moments, especially one who loves Hanoi, can feel such overflowing emotion. After the full moon of January, nature seems to be calm, gathering, storing the energy of spring to continue the marvelous cycle of life for both humans and the earth.

Vu Bang’s writing becomes more introspective, calmer. His love for his homeland grows deeper, more intense, more meaningful with each passing moment. After reading this essay, I still carry the weight of the author’s poignant longing for his homeland. Many people believe that beneath these words lies an underlying hope for North and South to reunite as one. Could this be Vu Bang’s desire, hidden between the lines? The more I read and teach this essay, the more I admire his brilliance. It feels like poetry, and every word and sentence is so deeply moving that I don’t want to skip any part of it. Perhaps I am too greedy for this beauty...

When talking about spring, people often associate it with growth, renewal, vitality, and vibrant colors. As a result, when writing about spring, many writers and poets depict the season with delicate, fresh beauty, yet brimming with the energy of spring. Perhaps this is why, when spring arrives, it feels as if the spring fairy is taking its first steps on the earth, awakening the flowers and urging the landscape to bloom. Even the esteemed writer Vu Bang could not resist writing about his emotions, sending them into the essence of spring.

Vu Bang’s essay "My Spring" is excerpted from the collection "January Dreams of Sweet Cold Moonlight" in his book *Loving Memories of Twelve Months*. It was written during the heroic years of Vietnam’s resistance against foreign invasion, a time when the country was divided. The author was forced to live in enemy-controlled areas, far from the North, from his homeland, creating a deep longing for his family and a desire for a peaceful, prosperous life. This hope is beautifully expressed in his poetic writing during this hopeful spring season.

The essay begins not with direct expressions of longing, but rather a smooth and natural invitation into the writer's world: "It’s natural: everyone loves spring. January, the first month of spring, is especially cherished. Who can stop mountains from loving rivers, butterflies from loving flowers, or the moon from loving the wind? Who can stop men from loving women, mothers from loving children, or unmarried girls from dreaming of their future husbands?"

The author’s opening is casual and simple, using the word “who” to emphasize the rhetorical question. Who can stop such natural feelings? These simple truths are undeniable. Even the enemy cannot restrain our souls. Vu Bang’s longing for his homeland is clear — he recalls the daily life in the North, the special qualities of Northern people: "My spring, the spring of Northern Vietnam, the spring of Hanoi, is filled with drizzling rain, cool breezes, the sound of swallows in the night sky, the distant echo of folk drums, and the love songs of beautiful girls, as poetic as a dream."

The author’s gentle tone is rich with nostalgia, transporting us to beautiful memories, helping us forget the harsh present. The essay consistently emphasizes "my spring," a spring so vivid and alive in the heart of a person far from home. This spring feels uniquely embedded in the author’s soul, with a distinct character, different from any other place: "This sacred spring of mine drives people mad, you can’t sit still. The life force within swells like blood rushing in a deer’s veins or like buds pushing through branches, you can’t stay still, it must break out as tiny leaves reaching for the sky, greeting their lovers."

Spring seems to make people feel younger, more full of life, as if our hearts are beating faster and louder. It covers the earth, making us feel affection and warmth toward everyone. Spring doesn’t just spread across the streets; it sneaks into every corner of our homes, creating an atmosphere of togetherness. On the New Year’s table, spring’s colors fill the air, and within our homes, the bonds of family and friendship are strengthened. When discussing spring, the author’s tone is both passionate and tender, full of thoughtfulness.

The essay ends with the author reminiscing about the earth in spring, the faint pink of blooming peach blossoms, the lush green grass with a faint fragrance. The words seem to seep into the reader’s heart, as if spring is surrounding them, drawing them into the author’s world. And yet, the author continues: "Usually, by this time, the sky has cleared from the mist, and spring rains replace the drizzles, no longer blurring the sky like frosted glass. In the mornings, lying down and looking out the window, you see vibrant green streaks in the sky, and it fills you with a sense of bright joy. By eight or nine in the morning, the sky is clear with pink ripples, like the wings of newly emerged butterflies."

The essay concludes with the author’s deep longing, making it clear that the writer not only understands the spring of the North but also cherishes every moment that the season brings to humanity.

Spring has always been an endless source of inspiration for writers and poets, and Vu Bang is no exception. When we think of spring, we recall the refreshing weather, the sprouting of life, and the vibrant energy that fills the air. It is the time of Tết, when peach and apricot blossoms bloom, and families come together in happiness. In his essay "My Spring," the author captures the memories of spring in Hanoi, especially during a distant Tết celebration away from home.

The essay was written when the author had to endure the painful separation of a divided country, living in an area under enemy control during the war. Despite the oppressive colonial rule, Vu Bang's love for his homeland burned even brighter. He poured his affection and longing for Hanoi's spring into every page. The feeling of serenity and sweetness is the first impression we get when reading his reflective prose. For Vu Bang, spring is where heaven and earth meet, the start of a new life after a cold, harsh winter, and a marker of the passage of time as the new year begins.

It is a harmonious blend of nature and humanity. With gentle, soulful writing, the author invites the reader to experience peaceful, beautiful springs brimming with life. Each word, each sentence in the essay reflects Vu Bang's deep love for the spring of Northern Vietnam.

The first memories the author recalls are of the spring weather, with its "gentle drizzle and cool breeze," a feature unique to the North. This spring atmosphere sets the tone for the author’s reflections. He evokes sounds of spring calling out—the chirping of swallows, the distant echoes of love songs, and the warm, comforting scent of incense. The peaceful, familiar atmosphere of home tugs at his heart, and what once felt simple now feels intensely poignant.

Spring not only brings unusual beauty to nature, but also stirs deep emotions within the human soul: "You can’t sit still. The energy in your body swells like blood rushing through your veins." This surge of life awakens our instincts, urging us to rise after the cold, sleepy winter. Spring reignites the flames of passion in our hearts, making us feel younger, more alive. "The heart seems to beat faster than on those cold winter days," the author writes.

If Xuân Diệu’s spring in his poetry is "as sweet as a pair of lips near," full of urgency and sensuality, Vu Bang’s spring is tranquil and poignant, leaving the reader in a dreamlike, euphoric state.

Through his melodic and poetic tone, Vu Bang captures the essence of spring in Northern Vietnam, allowing readers to experience its full beauty. This essay also highlights the writer’s sensitive and perceptive love for his homeland.

Vu Bang, born Vu Dang Bang (1913-1984) in Hanoi, was a writer and journalist who began his creative career before the August Revolution of 1945. He was skilled in short stories, essays, and memoirs. After 1954, he moved to Saigon where he continued his writing and journalism while also engaging in revolutionary activities.

This essay is excerpted from his essay collection "January: Dreaming of the New Moon and Sweet Cold" published in the anthology "Memories of Twelve Months." It was written during a time when the country was divided, and the author had to live under the control of the U.S. and the South Vietnamese government, far from his beloved Northern homeland. Through his writing, he poured his longing for his homeland, his family, and his hope for a peaceful, unified country. This sentiment is reflected in his memories of the natural beauty and daily life of Hanoi, a city known for its refined cultural identity, which also represents the broader nation.

The author expresses his deep love for spring, using nature’s laws to affirm: "It’s natural, everyone loves spring." January, the first month of spring, is particularly cherished, and this affection is no surprise. Who can deny that mountains love the land, butterflies love flowers, the moon loves the wind, or that a man loves a woman, a mother loves her child, or a girl who is still unmarried yearns for her distant lover? It’s the same with the love for spring.

In reminiscing about spring in Northern Vietnam, the author recalls the picturesque beauty of nature and the everyday activities that are most iconic to the region. Vivid, unforgettable images fill his mind: My spring — the spring of Northern Vietnam, of Hanoi — is one with soft rain, cool breezes, the distant sound of nightingales, the beat of drums echoing from distant villages, and the romantic songs sung by young women whose beauty is like poetry.

Through his flowing, lyrical, and poetic prose, Vu Bang transports us into a world of endless memories filled with deep emotion. This world is an inseparable part of the spirit of an expatriate. The author repeats with passion: My spring... my divine spring... This reflects how deeply the love for spring is embedded in the soul of someone from the North. To emphasize the vibrant energy and magnetic pull of spring, the author uses exaggerated, yet natural expressions: "Ah, this sacred spring of mine, it makes people want to go crazy! I can’t sit still. The energy in my body swells up like blood rising in a deer’s antlers, like buds of trees pushing through the earth. I just can’t stay still; I have to burst forth like tiny leaves waving at the swans beside me."

Usually, by this time, the weather has shifted from the humid days to spring rain replacing the drizzle. The sky no longer has the dull, cloudy appearance of pale glass. Upon waking up, looking out the window, I feel a surge of joy as fresh green streaks appear in the sky. On the vine trellis, a few diligent bees are busy gathering nectar. By around 8 or 9 in the morning, the sky is clear with soft, pink waves fluttering like newly emerged butterflies.

Through this beautifully written essay, which reads like a lyrical poem, one not only gains a deep understanding of, but also develops a deep affection for, the colors of spring, the beauty of nature, and the appreciation for life. Vu Bang is truly a masterful pen of modern Vietnamese prose.

Vu Bang was a skilled writer, specializing in short stories, essays, and memoirs. His writing reflects the subtle elegance of an author with deep knowledge of life and the warmth of a soul that deeply loves his homeland. His essay "January: Dreaming of the New Moon and Sweet Cold" is a representative work of his literary style.

This essay begins with the vivid, overwhelming emotions of the author as he embraces the beauty of spring in Northern Vietnam. Through Vu Bang's eyes, the landscape of spring in Northern Vietnam, particularly in the early days of January, unfolds with its unique and unforgettable beauty. It’s a spring with gentle rain, cool breezes, the sound of swallows calling in the dark night, the distant rhythm of drumbeats from village theaters, and the melodious songs of beautiful young women singing love songs like poetry.

Ah, Northern Vietnam’s spring — perhaps the spring before 1945 — is evoked in the heart of an expatriate like Vu Bang. It reminds us of the famous verses of poet Nguyen Binh:

The spring rain falls gently

The cassia flowers fall in layers

The theater troupe of Dang village passes by the alley

Mother says, the village sings tonight

(Spring Rain)

Spring brings with it wondrous changes, awakening the world with vibrant colors, and especially reviving the inner life of people. It drives people wild, making them want to step outside, feel the thrill of spring, and savor the season with a deep, drunken joy that doesn’t need alcohol. Spring causes the vital energy inside one’s body to swell, like blood rushing through the veins of deer, like young buds pushing through the earth, unable to remain still, bursting forth as tiny leaves waving in the wind. Above all, spring brings people back to life and awakens the longing for love.

Spring makes the family reunion atmosphere warm and peaceful, filling the heart with a unique warmth. It feels as though countless flowers are blooming, and butterflies are fluttering in a celebration. These are the intense, electrifying emotions of someone who has longed for and eagerly awaited the arrival of spring, welcoming it with all their heart. The passionate, fervent tone of Vu Bang’s writing transmits these feelings to the reader, making them feel the same excitement and bliss.

Such a beautiful spring — the spring of beloved Hanoi, of cherished Northern Vietnam — is felt through Vu Bang’s sensitive, perceptive soul. It’s as if the author has merged himself with the scenery, experiencing the rain, the cool breeze, the distant call of swallows, the echoing drums, and the sweet, lyrical love songs sung by beautiful women like a dream.

The writer does not only perceive spring with the usual senses, but with every sense, every special emotion of the soul. This perception is vividly expressed through his writing with a series of striking, evocative comparisons: "The thrill of the traveler" is felt tenderly with longing; the vital energy inside is compared to blood surging in a deer’s veins, like the sprouts of trees pushing through the soil, bursting forth as tiny leaves, waving at the pairs of swans nearby; family warmth is compared to the blossoming of countless flowers, with butterflies celebrating in joy.

The author’s remarkable finesse is evident when describing the scenery and atmosphere of spring after the first full moon of the year. His sharp eye catches even the smallest changes in the colors and atmosphere of the sky, the earth, the plants during this brief period from early January to the full moon: the peach blossoms are slightly fading, but their pollen remains vibrant; the grass is no longer lush but exudes a faint, refreshing scent; the sky is no longer dull and cloudy like misty glass; when dawn breaks, green streaks appear on the horizon, transitioning into a clear sky with pink ripples like the wings of newly emerged butterflies; on the vine trellis, a few busy bees have already flown off to gather nectar.

The beauty of spring, with its gentle rain, cool breezes, the sound of drums, and the lyrical love songs, is made even more enchanting here. The author cannot help but exclaim: "How beautiful, spring! Spring of beloved Hanoi, of cherished Northern Vietnam."

This spring lingers on, resonating in the heart, and today, far from home, the longing for one’s homeland rises with an overwhelming, sweet, fresh, and deeply emotional flow, woven into this brilliant essay.

We are familiar with and can empathize with the emotions of those who have to live far from their homeland, as expressed in the poetry of Li Bai, Du Fu, and Ha Tri Chieu from the Tang dynasty. In Vietnam, not long ago, a famous artist had to leave his Northern homeland due to personal circumstances and revolutionary work, moving to the South for decades. This artist was Vu Bang, a writer who gained fame before the August Revolution of 1945. Vu Bang's love for his homeland was captured in his unique collection of essays, 'Memories of Twelve,' with the excerpt 'My Spring' being a prime example.

'My Spring' is an excerpt from the long essay 'January Dreaming of the New Moon and Sweet Cold,' which opens the narrative of the author's deep longing in 'Memories of Twelve.' The excerpt vividly portrays the natural beauty and the spring atmosphere in Hanoi and Northern Vietnam through the bittersweet nostalgia of someone far from home. Although it is only an excerpt from a longer essay and does not present a complete structure, we can still appreciate and reflect on the author's thoughts and emotions, which are divided into three sections:

The first part: from the beginning to '... enamored with spring': The natural affection for and longing for spring is inevitable. The second part: from 'I love the green rivers...' to '... the joyful gathering': The scenery and atmosphere of spring in Hanoi and the North. The third part: from 'How beautiful spring is...' to the end: The scenery, the earth, and the sky of Northern Vietnam after the fifteenth day of January.

'My spring, the spring of Northern Vietnam, the spring of Hanoi...' In the beginning of the second section, Vu Bang fondly recalls his homeland, with a sentence echoing with joy, much like the cheerfulness of spring itself. Through his reminiscences, the beauty of the Hanoi spring during the Lunar New Year emerges, vibrant and heartwarming. The signs of spring's arrival are described as: 'Gentle spring rain, a cool breeze, the sound of swallows calling in the night, the distant sound of drumbeats from rural villages, and the love song...' What is gentle spring rain like? What is a love song? Gentle spring rain refers to fine, misty rain, soft and long, bringing coolness and refreshing air. A love song is a serenade, the song of lovers...

Faced with such a spring scene, Vu Bang, far from his homeland, recalls his cherished memories and brings them to life in lyrical and tender prose. He describes the irresistible urge to embrace the spring, 'The one who loves the scenery... wears a fur coat, holds a pipe, and opens the door to step outside... no need for strong liquor, just the intoxication of the soul... life!' Or, 'Sitting still becomes unbearable. The vital energy within me stretches like blood swelling in the veins of a deer...'. Or, 'With spring's return, people's hearts seem younger, beating faster... Just like animals that huddle in a place to escape the cold, they emerge to frolic and search for food when the warm sun returns, people too 'come back to life' and crave affection. Outside, everyone seems to want to love, and when they return home, they feel the same warmth.' Vu Bang expresses a deep, tender love for his homeland's spring.

He recreates the image of his life in Hanoi with beautiful words and comparisons. It is as though, before spring, he has transformed into every living thing—plants, animals—so that he may bathe in spring's life-giving energy and grow, rejuvenate along with the season. His prose feels like a lyrical poem, where the author's persona becomes a passionate, sensitive poet. The image of a family in Hanoi preparing for the spring festival—incense, candles, and, most importantly, the warm and harmonious family reunion—adds a sense of cultural richness to the scene: 'Incense sticks, candle lights, and most of all, the peaceful atmosphere of a reunited family, with respect shown to elders and offerings made to ancestors, creating a warmth that is both strange and comforting...'. The beauty of spring is not only depicted through nature but also through the acts of affection and reverence among people, representing the traditional cultural values of Hanoi, Northern Vietnam, and our homeland.

Through this vivid and spontaneous narrative, combining both description and reflection, Vu Bang continues to praise the Northern spring: 'How beautiful spring is—Hanoi's beloved spring, the cherished spring of Northern Vietnam.' Then, the emotional intensity slows down, becoming calmer. The author shares: 'I love spring, especially after the fifteenth day of January...'. Here, the writer uncovers another aspect of Northern spring's beauty: the rebirth of the earth, with trees budding, flowers blooming, and fruits ripening. 'The peach blossoms are a little faded, but the stamens still hold their charm, the grass isn't as lush, but it emanates a faint fragrance... the spring rain starts to replace the drizzle...'

On the trellis, a few diligent bees have already gone to seek nectar... people return to their simple meals... the festive fun of the New Year gradually comes to an end, making way for the peaceful rhythm of daily life...'. After the fifteenth day of January, the images of nature are no longer as vibrant and festive as the New Year, but they are calm, accumulating the energy of spring to continue the miraculous cycle of life for both people and nature. In this part of the narrative, the writer’s voice becomes more contemplative, quietly observing the world from a window, cherishing memories and longing for the day he will return to his homeland and reunite with the Northern spring. From the love for spring to the deep affection for his homeland, Vu Bang’s words are increasingly imbued with longing, tenderness, and precision, showcasing his literary artistry.

In conclusion, through the short excerpt 'My Spring,' we can truly understand and empathize with Vu Bang's love for his homeland and his country. The natural beauty and springtime atmosphere of Hanoi and Northern Vietnam are vividly captured in his writing, highlighting the author's deep and heartfelt nostalgia for a distant home. Through his writing, the essay realistically and specifically expresses the author's connection to his homeland, love for life, and the delicate sensitivity of his soul. We also come to appreciate the value of Vu Bang's famous essay collection 'Memories of Twelve,' as Tô Hoài rightly commented: 'Memories of Twelve is a testament to the writer’s deep love for life.'

Reading Vu Bang's essays, we are reminded of two other essays we have studied: 'A Gift from New Rice' (by Thach Lam) and 'Saigon, My Love' (by Minh Huong). In some way, these essays also reflect the deep affection these writers have for life. The essay is truly a fascinating form of prose poetry.