Top 11 Most Beautiful Poems by the Poet Huy Cận

Author: Huy Cận

The sun divides the beach, the evening has come...
The garden of the virgin lady arranges two wilted leaves.
A spider's thread of sadness is spreading quickly,
Sleep, my dear! I’ll keep the fan going.
My heart opens with this fan,
Hundreds of dream birds fly to the head of the bed.
Sleep now, and let your dreams be simple!
I’ll hum the song of the coast as a lullaby...
The tree casts a long shadow in a daze...
- Has your soul matured after so many years of suffering?
Rest your head on my hand,
So I can feel the weight of sorrow falling away...

About the Poem "Ngậm ngùi":

"Ngậm ngùi" by Huy Cận is one of his most prominent works, reflecting deep emotions and contemplation on life, time, and emptiness. Written during the early years of the resistance against the French, the poem conveys the mood of a generation grappling with the hardships and challenges of the era.

Content and Meaning:

Mood and Emotions: "Ngậm ngùi" expresses the sorrowful and reflective mood of the poet about life and time. Huy Cận uses his personal emotions to reflect loneliness, displacement, and pain when confronting emptiness and the changing times.

Reflections on Time and Life: The poem not only portrays personal emotions but also contains deep thoughts on time and existence. Huy Cận captures the flow of time and life's ceaseless changes, raising questions about the meaning of life and death.

Imagery and Symbols: Huy Cận uses images and symbols to highlight his emotions and thoughts. Imagery like "wide sky," "fields," or "echoes" are not merely descriptive but carry profound significance related to the emotional and psychological state of the speaker.

Artistic Style:

Language and Imagery: The language of Huy Cận in "Ngậm ngùi" is delicate and expressive. He uses carefully selected words and images to create a vivid emotional landscape, emphasizing the poet's sadness and grief. The chosen imagery powerfully reflects the speaker's mood and deep contemplation.

Rhythm and Tone: The rhythm of the poem is slow and calming, matching the sorrowful and reflective tone. The tone mirrors the mood of lament and reflection on life, evoking a deep, emotional atmosphere.

Structure and Expression: The poem is structured clearly with a coherent introduction, development, and conclusion. This structure helps emphasize the main ideas and emotions, creating a unified and accessible whole.

Conclusion: "Ngậm ngùi" by Huy Cận is a profound and moving work of poetry, reflecting on life, time, and emptiness. It not only offers a deep understanding of personal feelings but also extends to profound thoughts on the meaning of existence and death. With its refined language, vivid imagery, and gentle tone, "Ngậm ngùi" leaves a powerful and lasting impression on its readers.

Author: Huy Can

The whistling bird
Flies high, soaring
Filled with love
A sweet song it sings.

Wings flutter in the blue sky
Endlessly, endlessly
Its song shines brightly
Like a brilliant branch.

Oh bird, oh bird, speak
What do you say, what do you say?
My heart is happy but confused
Life is full of its time...

Its pure, clear sound
Birds sing in every chain
The bird is full of joy
Singing without tire.

The bird flies, swoops down
With rice and milk-filled grains
The countryside is filled
With the bird's cheerful song.

Flying high, so high
The bird disappears
Only its song remains
Turning the sky blue...

The whistling bird
With the soul of the homeland
Sings again this morning
Bringing joy to my heart.

About the poem "The Whistling Bird":

"The Whistling Bird" by Huy Can is a representative work that demonstrates the author's delicate observation of nature and his personal emotions. Written during the period before and during the resistance against the French, the poem not only describes the image of the whistling bird but also reflects on deep thoughts about life, people, and time.

Content and Meaning:

Description of the whistling bird: The poem begins with the image of the whistling bird, a small bird with a striking, clear song. Huy Can describes the bird's shape, color, and features in detail, highlighting its natural beauty and grace.

Emotions and feelings: Rather than simply describing the bird, the poem also conveys the poet's feelings and emotions. Huy Can uses the image of the whistling bird to express his innermost thoughts, emotions, and reflections on life. The bird becomes a symbol of freedom, purity, and joy in life.

Reflections on life and time: Through the whistling bird's image, the poem expands into reflections on time and life. The bird, with its freedom and natural beauty, accentuates the temporary nature and continuous changes of life. Huy Can uses this imagery to ponder the meaning of existence and the beauty found in everyday life.

Artistic Style:

Language and imagery: Huy Can uses refined language and vivid imagery to create a lively picture of the whistling bird. Carefully chosen words express the beauty and elegance of this bird, as well as the poet's emotions and reflections.

Rhythm and tone: The rhythm of the poem is gentle and flowing, mirroring the lightness and elegance of the bird. The tone blends the beauty of nature with deep emotional undertones, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere.

Structure and presentation: The poem is organized with a clear structure, comprising an introduction, development, and conclusion, which highlights the author's ideas and feelings, creating a cohesive and accessible whole.

Conclusion: "The Whistling Bird" by Huy Can is a profound and delicate work of poetry, reflecting on life, time, and the beauty of nature. The poem not only provides a vivid portrayal of the whistling bird but also opens up reflections on the meaning of life. With its refined language, vivid imagery, and gentle tone, the poem leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Author: Huy Cận

The plain white áo, pure as dreams, When you arrived, your eyes gleamed with light, Like a burst of radiance. You stepped forward, Your gentle steps leaving a fragrant trail, spreading a rosy glow.

Your hands, delicate and slender; Your cheeks, round and sun-kissed; You let the breeze weave through your hair, Filling the room with the beauty of mountains and rivers.

Your words, and your voice, intertwined, Your soul breathing within me; The golden sun weaves a bright glow on your áo, As leaves cheerfully flutter outside the door.

For a day, we were like celestial beings, You gave me happiness, filling my hands. With your gentle áo white as a stream, We soared, our souls flying with dreams.

About the poem "Áo trắng":

"Áo trắng" by Huy Cận, written in 1940, stands out as a significant work in Vietnamese poetry, particularly in the early 20th century. The poem is celebrated not only for its vivid imagery and refined language but also for the deep reflections on love, connection, and spiritual values.

Content and Meaning:

The Image of the White Áo: The white áo in the poem is central, symbolizing beauty and purity. Huy Cận uses this image to describe the innocence and clarity of a young girl, evoking deep emotions and thoughts about love and bonding in life.

Love and Emotions: The poem expresses admiration and appreciation for the girl's beauty, particularly through the image of her white áo. The poet not only describes her outer beauty but emphasizes her spiritual qualities, highlighting the ethereal and pure nature of the girl. This reflects the poet's emotions about love and life.

Reflections on Life: The poem extends to broader thoughts on the passage of time and the meaning of existence. The white áo becomes a symbol of enduring values and the permanence of love and life. The poet uses this image to contemplate the transient nature of time and the eternal, adding a philosophical depth to the poem.

Artistic Style:

Language and Imagery: Huy Cận uses delicate language and vivid imagery to create an emotional portrait of the white áo and love. The words are carefully chosen to convey the grace and lightness of the áo, while evoking profound emotions and reflections.

Rhythm and Tone: The rhythm of the poem is gentle and flowing, reflecting the lightness and elegance of the white áo. The tone of the poem blends the natural beauty and deep emotions, creating a tranquil and reflective atmosphere.

Structure and Presentation: The poem is organized with a clear structure, with a well-balanced introduction, development, and conclusion. This structure enhances the poet's ideas and emotions, creating a cohesive and accessible whole.

Conclusion: "Áo trắng" by Huy Cận is a refined poetic work, offering deep reflections on love, beauty, and spiritual values. The poem not only presents a vivid image of the white áo but also extends into thoughts on life and the meaning of existence. With its refined language, vivid imagery, and gentle tone, the poem leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Author: Huy Cận

The rain at night brings memories of distant places,
As the cold intensifies, feelings of isolation grow...

The sound of water dripping from the roof
As the sky seems heavy, and my heart feels melancholic...

In my soul, the sound of footsteps fades,
As the endless road grows weary and lonesome...

Drip, drip... soft and gentle falling...
Countless drops softly whisper their idle thoughts...

Longing for a love that feels far away...
The weight of my pillow feels heavy, as I lay and listen...

The wind returns, and my heart is exposed
With a faint breeze stirring thoughts from all around...

About the poem "Sad Night Rain":

The poem "Sad Night Rain" by Huy Cận, written in 1940, is one of his notable works that expresses the sensitivity in capturing and conveying feelings of sadness, solitude, and melancholy. It is a typical example of his romantic style, filled with emotion and reflection.

Content and meaning:

Sadness and solitude: The poem conveys the author's deep feelings of sadness and isolation during a rainy night. The rain becomes a central image, evoking gloominess and emptiness, mirroring the feelings of the lyrical subject. The author distinctly feels the sorrow and vast emptiness within the rain-soaked night, creating a somber, introspective atmosphere.

Images of nature and rain: Huy Cận uses the imagery of rain and the dark night to create an emotional landscape. The rain is not only a natural element but also a symbol of transience and pain. The scenes and sounds of the rain highlight the solitude and sadness of the character while reflecting the author's own mood.

Reflections on life and love: The poem not only describes the rain and personal emotions but also expands into reflections on life and love. Questions about life's meaning, the absence of love, and the transient nature of everything emerge through the imagery of the rain and the night.

Artistic style:

Language and imagery: Huy Cận employs refined poetic language and vivid imagery to express emotions and moods. The carefully selected words and images emphasize sorrow and solitude, painting a clear picture of the rainy night.

Rhythm and tone: The rhythm of the poem is often gentle, slow, and introspective, mirroring the stillness and sadness of the rainy night. The tone harmonizes the beauty of nature with deep emotional contemplation, creating a highly emotional and reflective atmosphere.

Structure and expression: The poem is structured clearly, with a well-defined beginning, middle, and end, helping to emphasize the key ideas and feelings of the author while maintaining a cohesive and accessible whole.

Conclusion: "Sad Night Rain" by Huy Cận is a deeply emotional poem that captures the sensitivity in portraying mood and nature. The poem offers a poignant look at sadness and solitude in a rainy night while also delving into profound reflections on life and love. With its delicate language, vivid imagery, and somber tone, the poem leaves a powerful and memorable impression on the reader.

Author: Huy Cận

The cold wind of winter afternoon stirs memories of childhood
The flock of birds hides along the shore
The vast expanse of water after the harvest
A sadness that seems as distant as the crashing waves.

Where did the birds go? They flitted and vanished in the blink of an eye
The ones that had their wings covered in sap, now long gone
Holding a bird, feeling the chill in its wings
Thinking the sun might be setting just ahead.

Childhood, drifting in the fields
Half filled with mountain mist, half with river’s breath
Something damp in the echoes of my thoughts
Like wet clothes hanging out after a rain, dried in front of the stove.

The cold wind of winter afternoon brings back memories of those times
The flock of birds once more hides along the shore
The day I took refuge, while poetry cast its nets
And the trap of years set, catching childhood.

About the poem: "Cold Wind of Winter Afternoon":

"Cold Wind of Winter Afternoon" by Huy Cận is a remarkable poem that reflects his unique style, blending personal emotion with vivid natural imagery. Written in the 1940s, the poem not only showcases his keen observations of nature but also conveys deep emotions about mood and life.

Content and Meaning:

Imagery of Nature: "Cold Wind of Winter Afternoon" begins by painting a picture of a winter landscape, with cold winds, chilly air, and a sense of loneliness. These elements create a cold, desolate atmosphere, highlighting the stillness and solitude of the surroundings.

Mood and Emotions: The poem expresses the author’s emotions amidst the coldness of the winter afternoon. The cold winds and winter scene reflect feelings of isolation, sadness, and separation, which is mirrored in the speaker’s inner world. Huy Cận expertly merges personal feelings with nature’s imagery to emphasize this melancholy and emptiness.

Reflections on Life: The poem extends to philosophical reflections on life and its fleeting nature. Winter, with its cold winds, becomes a symbol of the temporary, the uncertain nature of life. Through these images, the author reflects on deep emotions and thoughts about existence.

Artistic Style:

Language and Imagery: Huy Cận employs refined poetic language and sharp imagery to create a vivid picture of a winter afternoon. The carefully selected words depict coldness and loneliness, echoing the author’s inner feelings and emotions.

Rhythm and Tone: The rhythm of the poem is slow and subdued, matching the cold atmosphere of winter and the melancholic mood of the author. The tone creates a deeply emotional and reflective atmosphere, emphasizing stillness and sorrow.

Structure and Expression: The poem is well-organized with a clear beginning, development, and conclusion. This structure helps to highlight the author’s ideas and emotions while presenting a unified and approachable whole.

Conclusion: Huy Cận's "Cold Wind of Winter Afternoon" is a standout work that demonstrates his mastery of both nature and emotional expression. The poem provides a clear depiction of the winter landscape, while also expanding into deeper thoughts on life and existence. With its fine language, vibrant imagery, and somber tone, it leaves a strong and lasting impression on readers.

Author: Huy Cận

My body is like a ripe summer
You, like a tree, casting a shadow over me
The summer full of fragrance, the scent of the forest and sea
Flowers bloom with fragrance, amid the branches and leaves.

Oh, what a passionate season, as the wind stirs in my hair
My neck feels restless like the evening sun setting and stirring
You are the sun of the sea, burning and fierce
My sail struggles through the islands.

The summer ripens. I stay awake through it all
The sea, with its vines climbing, twines through the branches of the moon.

About the poem "Ripe Summer":

"Ripe Summer" by Huy Cận is one of the most remarkable works in modern Vietnamese poetry, showcasing a refined description of nature and personal emotions. Written in 1940, the poem not only marks its impact with the vivid imagery of summer but also conveys profound reflections on life and time.

Content and Meaning:

The image of summer: "Ripe Summer" opens with a vivid scene of summer nature, featuring trees, fruits, and sunlight. The summer is depicted with vibrant, rich colors, highlighting the blossoming life and powerful vitality of nature during this time.

Emotions and Mood: The poem does not just describe the scenery but also reflects the author’s emotional state. Huy Cận feels the freshness and full energy of the summer, while also expressing deep thoughts about the changes of time and life. Summer, with its beauty, evokes a sense of freedom, joy, and also contemplation on the transient and eternal.

Reflections on time and life: The poem expands into reflections on time and change. Summer, with its beauty and vibrant vitality, becomes a symbol of renewal, as well as a sign of the relentless flow of time. The author uses the imagery of summer to mirror deep emotions and philosophical reflections on life and beauty.

Artistic Style:

Language and Imagery: Huy Cận utilizes poetic language and sharp imagery to create a lively picture of summer. The words are carefully chosen to reflect the beauty of nature, while also evoking the emotions and moods of the author.

Rhythm and Tone: The rhythm of the poem is generally smooth and joyful, reflecting the liveliness and energy of summer. The tone of the poem blends the natural beauty and deep emotions, creating an atmosphere full of life and contemplation.

Structure and Presentation: The poem is organized with a clear structure, featuring an introduction, development, and a coherent conclusion. This arrangement emphasizes the author's ideas and emotions, creating a unified and accessible whole.

Conclusion: "Ripe Summer" by Huy Cận is a standout work that displays sophistication in depicting nature and personal emotion. The poem not only provides a vivid view of summer but also expands into profound reflections on time and life. With its delicate language, vivid imagery, and joyful tone, the poem leaves a strong and lasting impression on the reader.

Author: Huy Cận

The winding mountain edges lead the way
With small roadside huts, their roofs slanting low...
Winds whisper through paths of golden hues.
The sky stretches, a vast autumn filled with clouds in tow.

We halt, letting our young steed rest
On distant roads where lonely travelers pass by...

Riding off, the horse fades behind the hills;
The silent sound of saddle creaks still lingers...
Loneliness settles in the evening inn
As the slanting roof echoes the sadness of an absent traveler.

Overview of the poem "Đẹp xưa":

"Đẹp xưa" by Huy Cận stands as a prominent piece in modern Vietnamese poetry, reflecting the poet's delicate blend of vivid imagery and deep reflection. Written in the early 20th century, it not only captures timeless beauty but also explores themes of time, nostalgia, and the fleeting nature of beauty.

Theme and Meaning:

Imagery and Emotions: "Đẹp xưa" opens with a depiction of the beauty of the past, especially the stunning memories and scenes from days gone by. Through refined language, Huy Cận evokes a rich and detailed image of this beauty, bringing the past vividly back to life.

Contemplation on Time and the Past: The poem does not merely describe past beauty but extends into musings about the passage of time. The poet questions the significance of change and the eternal nature of beauty, reflecting feelings of regret and sorrow when facing the loss of what has passed.

Personal Emotion and Longing: "Đẹp xưa" conveys the poet’s inner feelings about the inevitable passage of time and the beauty lost with it. The poet expresses longing for what has disappeared, while pondering the transient nature of both beauty and life. The poem invites the reader into a reflective and contemplative emotional space.

Artistic Style:

Language and Imagery: Huy Cận masterfully uses poetic language and vivid imagery to paint a clear picture of past beauty. His carefully chosen words highlight the details and emotions that amplify the beauty of things gone by.

Rhythm and Tone: The poem’s rhythm is slow and reflective, echoing the quiet contemplation of the poet on the passage of time. The tone blends the nostalgia for the past with a deep, solemn emotional undercurrent, creating a meditative and wistful atmosphere.

Structure and Expression: The poem follows a clear structure, with distinct sections that introduce, develop, and conclude the poet’s ideas. This format helps amplify the poet’s reflections, creating a cohesive and accessible work.

Conclusion: Huy Cận’s "Đẹp xưa" is a delicate work of poetry that deeply contemplates time, the past, and beauty. The poem not only brings to life the beauty of times long gone but also offers musings on the impermanence of life and beauty. Through refined language, vivid imagery, and a solemn tone, the poem leaves a lasting, poignant impression on the reader.

Author: Huy Cận

The sun sets into the sea like a fiery ball,
The waves have locked their gates, night is falling.
The fishing boats set sail once again,
The songs fill the sails, carried by the wind.

The song says: silver fish of the Eastern Sea are calm,
The tuna of the Eastern Sea move like a weaving shuttle,
Day and night the sea weaves countless threads of light.
Come, gather the fish, our fleet!

Our boats sail with the wind and the moonlit sails,
Gliding through the clouds above the vast sea,
We dock far away, exploring the depths of the sea,
Our nets woven like strategic patterns for fishing.

The snapper, the snapper, and the codfish,
The shimmering fish in the red and black light,
Your tail dances, a flash of golden moon,
Night breathes: the stars lead the waters of Ha Long.

We sing the song to call the fish in,
The rhythm of the boat matches the high moon,
The sea, like a mother, offers us its catch,
Feeding us ever since we were born.

The stars dim, we pull the nets before dawn,
We strain with our hands, lifting heavy fish,
The silver scales and golden tails gleam at the break of day,
The nets fold, and the sails catch the first light of the sun.

The song fills the sails, catching the breeze,
The fleet races ahead, chasing the sun.
The sun rises from the sea, painting the sky with new colors,
The fish's eyes sparkle as they swim in the vastness.

About the poem "The Fishing Fleet":

"The Fishing Fleet" was written by Huy Cận in the middle of 1958, after the victory in the French resistance, when North Vietnam was liberated and embarked on a new phase of building the country. Huy Cận had a long field trip in the Quang Ninh mining region. It was from this trip that his poetic inspiration was reignited, filled with themes of nature, labor, and the joy of the new life. The poem was written during this period and was published in the collection "The Sky Brightens Every Day" (1958). With sharp observation, vivid imagination, a sensitive heart, and refined artistic talent, Huy Cận created a magnificent scene of labor at sea, highlighting the harmony between nature and man, expressing the poet's pride and belief in the country and life.

Content and Meaning:
Honoring Labor and Humanity: "The Fishing Fleet" describes the image of a fishing fleet setting sail and the hard work of fishermen at sea. The poem not only depicts the specific scenes but also honors the diligence and spirit of the fishermen.
Images of Nature and the Sea: Huy Cận vividly portrays the natural world, reflecting the strong bond between humans and the sea. With detailed and precise imagery like "the fleet", "the shuttle", and "silver fish", the poem paints a grand and lively picture of nature.
Humanistic Thought and Heroism: The poem goes beyond being a mere depiction of scenes and labor; it carries a humanistic philosophy and heroism. Huy Cận expresses admiration and pride for the laborers, reflecting the poet's belief in the strength and dignity of humanity.
Artistic Style:
Language and Imagery: The language of Huy Cận's poetry is delicate and expressive, rich in vivid and evocative imagery. His use of images such as "boats setting sail", "the sea", and "silver fish" not only describes reality but also evokes deep emotions and reflections. He often employs figures of speech like similes and metaphors to highlight meaning and emotions.
Rhythm and Tone: The rhythm in the poem is regular, blending harmoniously with the sounds of nature. This creates a sense of balance and tranquility, fitting the context and themes of the poem. The tone conveys a sense of solemn pride for labor and life.
Structure and Expression: The poem is organized with a clear structure, with distinct sections that open, develop, and conclude logically. This organization brings out the main ideas and emotions of the poet, making the overall piece unified and accessible.
Summary: Huy Cận's "The Fishing Fleet" is a remarkable piece of poetry that honors the labor and lives of the coastal fishermen. The poem not only paints a vivid picture of nature and work but also conveys humanistic values and heroism. With its refined language, clear imagery, and harmonious tone, it leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Author: Huy Cận

The waves ripple across the long river, their mournful undulations echoing.
The boat glides, its sails set in the calm water.
As the boat returns, sorrow spreads in all directions;
A single dry branch drifts, lost across the flowing streams.

The lonely islet, the wind sighs softly,
The distant sound of a village calls, as the evening market closes.
The sun sets, the sky ascends to its highest point;
The river extends, the sky stretches, the shore deserted.

The drifting water plants, row after row;
Empty expanses, no ferry crossing.
No bridge to spark any connection,
Silently, the green shore blends into the golden sand.

Layers of clouds rise, obscuring the silver mountains,
Birds tilt their wings, casting shadows in the evening.
The yearning for home stirs, the river’s current evokes memories,
Even without smoke from the sunset, the homesickness grows.

About the Poem "Tràng Giang":

"Tràng Giang" by Huy Cận is a distinguished work in modern Vietnamese poetry, marked by its vivid depictions of nature and profound human emotions. Written in 1939, when Huy Cận was still a young poet, "Tràng Giang" demonstrates his mastery in using language, imagery, and emotional depth.

Theme and Meaning:

Nature and Space: The poem opens with an expansive landscape, portraying a long river and vast surroundings. Huy Cận describes the river’s tranquil and infinite nature, creating a scene that is both boundless and desolate. The imagery of the river and fields evoke a sense of emptiness and isolation in nature.

Loneliness and Mood: The themes of solitude and melancholy are central in the poem. Huy Cận expresses the loneliness of the individual in the vast, empty natural world. Through imagery such as "white-capped waves" and "golden sand", he conveys a feeling of insignificance and isolation.

Reflection on Life: The poem is not only a depiction of nature but also a meditation on life and the meaning of existence. Philosophical questions about life, time, and eternity are suggested through the natural imagery and the speaker’s emotions. Huy Cận paints the inner turmoil of an individual confronting emptiness and unanswerable questions.

Artistic Style:

Language and Imagery: Huy Cận’s use of refined language and clear imagery creates a vivid and evocative depiction of nature. Images like the "long river", "fields", and "white-capped waves" not only describe reality but also evoke deep emotions and reflections on life.

Rhythm and Tone: The poem’s rhythm is gentle and steady, reflecting the stillness and solemnity of the landscape. The tone of the poem is a harmonious blend of loneliness and the grandeur of nature, creating a dignified and reflective atmosphere.

Structure and Presentation: The poem follows a clear structure, with an introduction, development, and conclusion that complement the themes and emotions. This structure helps highlight the central ideas and the poet’s feelings, creating a cohesive and accessible whole.

Conclusion: Huy Cận’s "Tràng Giang" is a profound poetic work that illustrates the poet’s sensitivity in portraying nature and human emotions. The poem not only creates a magnificent picture of nature but also conveys the loneliness and introspection of a person facing a vast, empty world. With its elegant language, vivid imagery, and solemn tone, "Tràng Giang" leaves a deep, lasting impression on its readers.

Author: Huy Cận

The statues of the Arhats at Tay Phuong Pagoda
I came to visit, my heart full of lingering thoughts.
Isn't this the land of the Buddha,
Yet why do all their faces seem full of sorrow?

Here sits one, with bones exposed, arms and legs bare
What could burn the fragile body so?
In deep contemplation, sorrow rests in his eyes
He has been sitting in silence for ages now.

Another with wide eyes, furrowed brows
His forehead waves like the endless sea of reincarnation
His lips curled in bitterness, his soul withered
The veins on his hands throb, and his blood boils.

Some are curled, their arms and legs compacted
Shaped round, resembling an unborn child
But their ears extend long, reaching to the knees
For their entire life, they hear nothing but sorrow...

They sit here in stillness
But the storms of life rage on in the distance
As if from the depths of human existence
Darkness spills forth, creating a violent gust of wind.

Each one is unique, yet their faces mirror humanity
Writhing with sorrow that blazes under the sky
A strange gathering, full of pain and torment
Though statues do not cry, sweat forms upon them.

Some faces turn downward, others look back
Turning in all directions, seeking the heavens
One great question remains. No answer
To this day, their faces still frown.

Is it true that the path to enlightenment
Leads beyond the suffering of the mortal world?
How many struggles must one endure in the end?
Do these statues share in the anguish of humankind?

Where is the great sculptor of old?
Bring him back, I ask a single question:
Did he carve these figures with such dry sanctity
As truly as the Buddha spoke to him?

Or are these souls caught in the windstorm
These emotions, these lives
Ancestors bound by flesh and blood
Toiled and restless, neither standing nor sitting still.

Our forefathers carried burdens through time
Their contemporaries, like Nguyen Du, bore the same load
Wrestling with their hearts and troubled foreheads
Can pain save this world, I wonder?

Our ancestors' hearts torn in those days
When life moved in place, forever stuck
How many hopes crushed beside their weary sides
Wilting like a young shoot starved of sunlight.

The twilight of the century stretches wide
Our ancestors groping for a way out
Could it be that on the statue's face
Half the smoke clings, half the fog remains?

The Arhats at Tay Phuong Pagoda!
Today, society has begun its march
I look at the statues, and they seem to come alive
Chasing away the twilight, scattering the fog and mist.

Our ancestors once cherished the old days
Where raw sorrow suddenly feels near!
Every step they took carved in wood
Now returns here, blooming a thousand miles down the road to spring.

About the Poem "The Arhats at Tay Phuong Pagoda":

"The Arhats at Tay Phuong Pagoda" by Huy Cận is a remarkable piece of modern Vietnamese poetry, blending personal emotions with reflections on culture and history. Written in 1948, the poem not only describes the statues of the Arhats at Tay Phuong Pagoda but also reflects on the poet's deep thoughts on life, time, and eternity.

Content and Meaning:

Description of the Arhats: The poem opens with vivid imagery of the Arhat statues at Tay Phuong Pagoda, a cultural landmark in Vietnam. Huy Cận describes the statues with great detail and sensitivity, highlighting both the artistic beauty and the dignity of these sculptures.

Reflections on Time and Eternity: A major theme of the poem is the contemplation of time and eternity. Although the statues of the Arhats are still and unchanging, they symbolize endurance and permanence. Through these statues, Huy Cận reflects on the flow of time, the fragility of life, and the meaning of existence.

Reflections on Humanity and Life: The poem not only describes the Arhats but also expands into reflections on humanity and life. From the stillness and grandeur of the statues, the poet draws lessons about how to face emptiness and time.

Artistic Style:

Language and Imagery: Huy Cận uses refined poetic language and clear imagery to depict the Arhat statues and the space of Tay Phuong Pagoda. The statues are portrayed with respect and meticulous detail, offering a profound understanding of both art and spirituality.

Rhythm and Tone: The rhythm of the poem is typically gentle and subdued, reflecting the stillness and serenity of the temple space and the Arhat statues. The tone of the poem blends the statues' dignity with philosophical musings on time and eternity.

Structure and Expression: The poem is structured coherently, with clear beginning, development, and conclusion. This organization helps emphasize the poet's thoughts and emotions, creating a cohesive and accessible whole.

Conclusion: "The Arhats at Tay Phuong Pagoda" by Huy Cận is a profound poetic work, combining detailed description with philosophical reflection. The poem offers not only a clear view of the Arhat statues and the Tay Phuong Pagoda but also expands into musings on time, eternity, and the meaning of life. With refined language, vivid imagery, and a subdued tone, the poem leaves a deep and lasting impression on the reader.