Top 13 Best Essays Analyzing the Poem 'Talking to My Child' by Y Phuong

The themes of family love, paternal and maternal affection have long been explored in Vietnamese literature, with many notable works on these subjects. This has created a certain pressure for later writers and poets who wish to address the same theme. However, poet Y Phuong embraced this challenge without hesitation, offering a fresh perspective on what might seem like a well-worn topic. His poem 'Talking to My Child' stands as a prime example of this creativity.

'Talking to My Child' is an emotional, heartfelt poem in which the father speaks lovingly to his son. The poem is full of sincere, gentle advice and reflections. Y Phuong's expression is original and unique, using simple, unpretentious words that resonate deeply with the rural, indigenous people of Vietnam.

The opening lines evoke the image of a small child being encouraged by his father, as the child takes his first steps, moving toward both parents with affection:

'Right foot steps toward father,
Left foot steps toward mother,
One step touches the words,
Two steps touch the laughter.'

These lines remind readers of a child learning to walk, taking those first steps toward the ones closest to them: the father and mother. Each step is met with the loving, joyful gaze of the parents, with every small achievement bringing happiness and laughter to the family. Additionally, the poem can be interpreted as symbolizing the child's growth, from walking to speaking, to laughter, each milestone marked by the father's memories.

'My people are dear, child of mine,
Weaving baskets with flowers,
Our walls echo with songs,
The forest gives flowers.'

Here, the father speaks lovingly of their community, the 'people of my land,' simple yet close-knit, who support each other with affection. Despite the hardships of rural life, these people find joy in their work and in the songs that fill the air. The 'forest gives flowers' signifies the resources and sustenance that nature provides to nourish life.

'The path leads to loving hearts,
Parents will always remember the wedding day,
The happiest day in life.'

The father also reflects on the birth of his beloved child, a symbol of the love shared between the parents. This 'path for loving hearts' recalls the wedding day, which the father cherishes as the most meaningful day of his life—a day that marked the creation of their happy family.

'My people are dear, child of mine,
Measuring sorrow's height,
Nurturing great ambitions,
Though life is hard, we still want to
Live on rocks, undeterred by rough terrain,
Live in valleys, undeterred by poverty.'

This final stanza is one of the most powerful moments in the poem, as the father imparts wisdom to his son. The 'people of my land' are not just loving and supportive—they are strong, with great ambitions. The sorrows of their homeland are deep, but they are determined to persevere. Despite challenges such as poverty and hardship, the message is clear: adapt, strive to improve, and never reject one's roots or heritage.

Y Phuong, whose real name is Hua Vinh Suoc, is a poet of the Tay ethnic group born in 1948 in Trung Khanh District, Cao Bang Province. He enlisted in 1968 and served in the military until 1981 before working at the Cao Bang Department of Culture and Information. In 1993, he was elected as the President of the Cao Bang Literary and Art Association. His poetry reflects a genuine, strong, and pure soul, as well as the vivid imagery of the mountain people.

The love for children and the desire for future generations to carry on the proud traditions of their ancestors and homeland has always been a noble sentiment in Vietnamese culture. Y Phuong's poem 'Talking to My Child' follows this inspiration, but the poet conveys this through the heartfelt words of a father to his son, creating a tone that is tender and affectionate.

To fully appreciate the beauty of this poem, one must first understand the way of thinking and expressing emotions of the mountain people. Their expressions are simple and innocent, depicted through the language and imagery in the poem. Y Phuong skillfully employs metaphors and comparisons often found in the poetry of ethnic minorities to convey the themes of 'Talking to My Child.'

By using the father's words to his child, the poet reminds us of our origins, proudly revealing the enduring strength and virtuous qualities of his people and homeland. The structure of the poem consists of two parts. The first part, from the beginning to the line 'The first day, the most beautiful day of life,' portrays the child's growth surrounded by the love and support of their parents and the hardworking life of their homeland. The second part highlights the pride in the strong, persistent nature of the ethnic group and the noble traditions of the homeland. The father expresses a deep hope that his child will continue these traditions.

This structure moves from familial love to a broader sense of love for the homeland and nation. From the intimate memories of one's upbringing, it expands into the shared values that bind all people together. The poem’s theme is developed naturally and coherently, balancing personal sentiment with universal significance.

The love of parents and the nurturing spirit of the homeland are boundless. Children grow every day in this sacred love. In the first four lines, with simple images, Y Phuong vividly reflects the warm, close-knit atmosphere of a family:

Right foot steps towards father

Left foot steps towards mother

One step touches the voice

Two steps reach the laughter.

The poet’s expression is unique. As the child begins to walk, each step, each word, and each smile is carefully cherished by the parents, filling the home with laughter and joy. The child grows up amidst the hardworking life of the parents, surrounded by the beautiful, poetic landscape of their homeland.

As the child grows, the parents' love for their homeland—the land where they were born and raised—deepens. The poet’s words burst forth from a heart filled with pride: 'The people of my homeland are dearly loved, my child!' The poet takes pride in the people who share the same land, who have nurtured his child. The hardworking and joyful life of the ethnic group is depicted through beautiful, almost mythical imagery:

Weaving the fishing nets and placing the flowers,

The walls of the house echo with songs.

The verbs 'weaving' and 'placing' not only describe physical labor but also symbolize the harmony between the practical and romantic aspects of life, both material and spiritual, in the highland regions. The mountains and forests of the homeland have protected and nurtured many generations, both in spirit and lifestyle:

The forest gives flowers

The road gives hearts.

It is the homeland that has provided the parents with a long-lasting, happy life:

Parents will always remember the wedding day

The first day, the most beautiful day in life.

The father is proud of the people of his homeland, who live through hardship with strength, vitality, and a deep connection to their homeland, despite poverty and adversity. The father hopes his child will remain loyal to the homeland, accepting and overcoming challenges with willpower and unwavering faith:

Despite everything, I still wish

To live on stone without complaining about the roughness

To live in the valley without complaining about poverty

To live like the river, like the stream

Up the mountain, down the slope

Without fear of hardship

The people of my homeland are simple yet full of spirit and strength. They may be rough in appearance but their souls and courage are immense. They dream of building a better homeland. These people, through their hard work, have created the beautiful traditions and customs of their nation and homeland:

The people of my homeland are simple in flesh

But no one is small, my child

The people of my homeland carve stones to raise the homeland.

And the homeland creates its customs.

The father wishes for his child to feel gratitude and pride for their people and homeland, so that they can confidently and powerfully walk through life:

My child, though simple in flesh

Go on your journey

You will never be small

Listen, my child.

The poem has a clear structure, a natural flow, and a tender, affectionate tone. This is most evident in the exclamations: 'The people of my homeland are dearly loved, my child!' and 'The people of my homeland are deeply loved, my child!' The heartfelt words of advice: 'Despite everything, I still wish' and 'No one is small, my child,' and 'My child, listen.' The poet has successfully created images that are both concrete and universal, simple yet rich in poetry, imbued with the innocent, genuine, and evocative qualities of mountain poetry.

This poem expresses the poet's deepest wish to pass on to his child: a proud love for the enduring spirit, the fine traditions of the homeland, and a firm belief in the future. Through this poem, readers can feel the deep love of parents for their children and the poet’s profound love for his homeland.

“The child stirs gently

Go back to sleep, dear child!

The moon is still high, not yet full

Rest, my dear, as I cradle you

And let you drift into a peaceful slumber.”

(Two hands, by Huy Cận)

The love of a father for his child is no less tender and warm than a mother’s. The wish for the child to grow and thrive is a beautiful feeling cherished by Vietnamese people for generations. Y Phương’s poem “Nói với con” is born from this very sentiment. With a compassionate, loving tone, the poem expresses the father’s intimate thoughts and gentle whispers to his child.

“Father leads you through the fine sand

The moonlight falls softly on our shoulders

Father gazes quietly into the distant horizon.

The child, like a sail, speaks in a soft whisper

Father offers a white sail for you to set out.”

(The sails)

Poet Hoàng Trung Thông paints a vivid, moving image of the beautiful bond between father and child. Y Phương, a poet of an ethnic minority, also contributes to this theme with his poem “Nói với con.” The poem, simple and unadorned in language and imagery, resonates with the reader through its gentle rhythm and the warmth of a father’s words about home and roots.

This poem is written in free verse, with the rhythm and meter flowing according to the speaker’s emotions. Throughout the poem, the simple yet sincere expressions of an ethnic man are evident—his language and thoughts are unpretentious but heartfelt. The father speaks lovingly to his child, imparting words full of affection and trust. The child grows in the love and support of their parents, surrounded by the peaceful life of their homeland.

The opening lines of the poem use vivid, unique images that reflect the mountain people’s way of thinking and speaking:

“Right foot steps forward, towards father

Left foot steps towards mother

One step touches words

Two steps, the sound of laughter.”

These four lines encapsulate the warmth of a loving family. The poem’s expression of emotions is striking. The child, still learning to walk, wobbles with each step. Each word spoken and each laugh is carefully cherished and guided by the parents. The child’s first steps and words are monumental in family life, bringing joy not only to the mother but also to the father. Poet Huy Cận also shared his own feelings during this precious time:

When news came that the child was walking

Father could not sleep, overwhelmed with joy

He lay awake in the night

Sending you off with each step.”

The child grows in the hardworking life of the parents, in the beautiful, serene landscape of their homeland. The parents’ hearts swell with pride as they watch their child grow. The child is the very essence of life for the parents. Tà ôi’s mother expressed this joy when working with her child to harvest corn:

“The sun of corn lies on the hilltop

But my sun, child, lies on my back.”

Parents love their children and hold their homeland dear. The pride in their people is expressed from the sincere heart of the father:

“Our people are dearly loved, my child

We weave the lờ, with flowered rattan

The house’s walls hum with our songs.”

The verbs “weave” and “hum” illustrate both the physical labor and the harmony between reality and romance in the lives of the highland people. The spiritual life is poetic and musical, making work lighter and filling people with joy and hope for life. The father wants to tell his child that the land where they were born and raised is the source of boundless happiness:

“The forest blooms

The path for hearts to walk upon

Parents always remember their wedding day

The first and most beautiful day of all.”

It is the homeland that has given the parents a long-lasting, happy life. In this cradle of happiness, children are the sweet fruit, the result of the parents’ love. The qualities of the highland people and the father’s hopes for his child are evident in every line of the poem. The homeland is a debt of gratitude. The father wants his child to honor this:

“Our people are dearly loved, my child

We measure sorrow

We nurture great ambitions

No matter what, father still wishes

To live in the valley, never minding poverty

Live like rivers and streams

Climbing mountains and crossing rivers

Without fear of hardship.”

This is the spirit of resilience and perseverance, overcoming all difficulties to assert one’s dignity and noble character. Struggles and challenges—climbing mountains and crossing rivers—only make the highland people stronger, more determined, and more confident, as Phan Bội Châu once said:

If the road of life were always flat

Would heroes and great men be any greater than others?”

The generations before have lived this way. The father wants his child to carry forward these noble qualities in gratitude to their homeland, to the people who have nurtured and protected them. The father also wants the child to understand this: the outward simplicity of the highland people hides a beautiful, noble soul:

“Our people may be rough in appearance

But no one is truly small, my child

We carve stones to build our homeland

And the homeland shapes our customs.”

The ethnic people live amidst mountains, nature, clouds, and rocks. How hard it is! They have carefully nurtured small sprouts of life to build a homeland from nothing. They may be poor, but they are rich in resilience and enduring strength, building the noble values of the national tradition. They have carved their portraits into the eternal rocks. Their spirit is no different from that of Nguyễn Công Trứ, who once said:

“Living under heaven and earth

One must leave a name for the mountains and rivers.”

Living in such a people, with a homeland rich in heroic and beautiful traditions, how should the next generation live? The father advises the child:

“Child, though rough in appearance

On the journey

You must never be small. Listen, my child.”

These are short, concise words, spoken with a soft yet resolute tone. The father urges the child to uphold the beautiful traditions of their people and homeland. Only then will they be worthy of the love and protection of their parents and their homeland’s noble, courageous heritage.

“Nói với con” is a beautiful poem by Y Phương. With its natural flow and tender, heartfelt tone, the poem expresses the father’s love for his child, wishing for them to grow into a person who loves their homeland and takes pride in the beautiful traditions of their people. Always remember the love your parents have for you, and live worthy of that care and protection:

“Raise your child to be whole and complete

Mother and father have endured hardships for you

Child, always uphold filial piety

Be diligent, lest you waste their efforts.”

Family bonds have always been a significant theme that captures the attention of many authors. Each writer brings their unique discoveries and insights on this topic, enriching the treasure of Vietnamese literature. One such contribution is the poem 'Talking to My Child' by poet Y Phuong. The work is a heartfelt message from a father to his child, reflecting his deep philosophical thoughts and reflections.

The poem opens with the image of a child, innocent and lovable, taking their first steps: 'Right foot steps to father / Left foot steps to mother / One step to the sound of speech / Two steps to the sound of laughter.' However, the verse goes beyond this innocent imagery, suggesting that the child’s origins lie in the love and care of the parents.

The rhythm of the line, with its 2/3 meter, is fluid and harmonious, enhanced by the repetition of structures and the listing techniques—'left foot - right foot', 'one step - two steps', 'sound of speech - sound of laughter'. This creates a joyful, interconnected melody, symbolizing the closeness between child and parent. Each step the child takes is met with parental love, and each laugh is a source of happiness for them. Through this, the poet emphasizes that the child is born in happiness and raised in the warmth of parental love; family is the nurturing cradle where we grow and mature.

The next seven lines describe the vibrant working life of the people from the region, where the child also grows up within this warm, harmonious community. Life among the people is depicted as joyful: 'Weaving a fish trap / The house wall sings a song.' The simple, affectionate term 'the people of the region' refers to the locals living together on the same homeland.

With a rich local vocabulary, the poet paints a picture of the cheerful labor atmosphere: the intricately woven fish traps, crafted by skillful hands, creating beautiful flowers; the house walls, not just built with bamboo but also infused with song. These lines showcase not only the craftsmanship of the people but also their optimistic, joyful way of life. The verbs 'weaving' and 'singing', paired with the nouns 'fish traps' and 'song', express both skill and a life filled with happiness.

The natural world here embraces and protects the people, as captured in two lines that summarize and evoke deep emotion. The mountains and forests of the homeland are not just picturesque but are full of meaning and affection. Nature nurtures the child both spiritually and in terms of lifestyle. The homeland provides the child with the best conditions to grow. This is the second nurturing cradle for the child.

The people of the region are not only skillful and clever but also possess noble qualities. First, they are resilient, with strong determination to overcome hardships: 'The height measures sorrow / Distance nurtures great ambitions.' In life, they face numerous difficulties, but they always have the willpower to conquer them. The verse asserts that adversity and struggle strengthen one's determination and spirit.

They are also deeply loyal to their homeland: 'Living on the rocks, never complaining of rough terrain / Living in the valley, never complaining of poverty.' This line not only affirms the admirable qualities of the people but also serves as a reminder to the child to remain loyal and devoted to the homeland. They live freely and optimistically, an idea expressed through a striking comparison 'living like rivers and streams' coupled with the idiom 'up the mountain, down the gorge,' evoking the hard labor of life, yet they remain 'unconcerned with hardship,' full of positivity and joy.

Confident, courageous, and joyful, they build their customs and traditions with their own hands: 'The people of the region carve stone to raise the homeland / While the homeland builds customs.' The daily tasks of the people, simple yet meaningful, form the unique customs of the area. The verse reflects the spirit of self-pride, the awareness of building and protecting the roots of the homeland. Through this, the father hopes that the child will continue the legacy and tradition of their ancestors, using this as a foundation for a strong life ahead:

'Child, though simple in flesh and skin

Step forward

Never feel small'

The words 'Child, my dear' are full of tenderness and sincerity, conveying the father's trust and hope for his beloved child. The words act as encouragement, urging the child to strive for greatness and leave a mark in life. The poem carries a universal message: it is not just a father's words to his child but a message of encouragement to future generations.

The poem is written in a sincere, affectionate tone, using concrete yet profoundly meaningful imagery. The language is simple yet incredibly deep. The structure of the poem is cohesive and logical, with a natural and engaging flow.

Through this poem, the poet encapsulates the eternal, sacred emotion of family love, which extends to pride in the homeland and the nation. These elements lift us and guide us through life's storms. Combined with natural language and a sincere tone, the poem has achieved its enduring appeal and success.

Y Phuong, a poet from the Tay ethnic group, was born and raised in a highland region. His poetry reflects the simple, sincere thinking of the people from this area. When we talk about Y Phuong, we immediately think of his famous poem, "Talking to My Child," which expresses a profound and sacred family love.

"Talking to My Child" was written by Y Phuong when his firstborn child was born, filled with the overwhelming happiness of a first-time father. Beyond that, the poem reveals the father’s desire to nurture his child, to help them understand their origins, and to always feel proud of their heritage.

At the heart of the poem, the father shows that the child’s roots are grounded in the love of their parents and the embrace of the people of the Tay community.

Right foot steps toward father

Left foot steps toward mother

One step touches the voice

Two steps reach the laughter

Through these vivid images and repetitive structures, Y Phuong creates a joyful, harmonious melody of a small family full of love. The repetition of verbs like “step,” “touch,” and “reach,” and the destination being the simple words “mother” and “father” show that the ultimate goal in life is the unconditional love of the parents, the place to return to, the refuge after life’s storms.

This simplicity conveys a great, sacred meaning: for every person, their parents are the ultimate destination, the place to find peace and continue life's journey.

Moreover, the child grows up in the nurturing care of the village: “Weaving baskets with flower vines /.../ The first day was the best in life.” The term “the people of my region” reflects the deep, affectionate connection between the poet and his community. These are the people of his homeland.

In just seven lines, Y Phuong paints a picture of a hardworking and joyful community, weaving baskets, building homes, and singing songs. The people of this region are not only hard workers but also know how to infuse their lives with joy and beauty. In their homes, songs of happiness always echo. Nature, full of love, has sheltered and nourished the people both in spirit and in lifestyle, becoming the second cradle that nurtures the child’s growth.

Y Phuong not only tells his child about their origins but also teaches them to take pride in the virtues of the people of his homeland:

“The people of my region love you so much, my child”

“...and our homeland gives you our customs.”

The people of this region possess many admirable qualities. They are strong-willed, resilient, and persistent. Despite facing numerous challenges, they endure them, refining their will and strength. The poem encapsulates these sentiments, expressing solidarity and understanding of the mountain people’s hardships.

Despite life's difficulties, they remain devoted to their homeland. The repeated use of “live” emphasizes both the essence of life and the enduring strength of the people in adversity. The father encourages his child to always remain loyal and loving towards their homeland, and the imagery of “like rivers and streams” highlights their free-spirited lifestyle, while the metaphor “climbing mountains and crossing rapids” alludes to the hard labor of their lives. Despite the hardships, they remain optimistic and full of life.

This verse reaffirms the father's pride in the people of his region: they remain strong and deeply connected to their homeland despite all the difficulties. The father urges his child to be resilient, to overcome life's obstacles with willpower, and to work tirelessly to build a prosperous homeland while preserving their cultural heritage.

The people of the region also have other admirable qualities that make the father proud: simplicity, spirit, and faith. Though they may appear humble in appearance, they are strong in soul and determination. Through their daily hard work, they have built a homeland with rich traditions and customs. The father hopes that his child will continue these traditions, carrying the enduring spirit of the region into the future, with this heritage as a guide to confidently face life’s challenges.

The father’s words, both warm and firm, remind his child that despite their modest exterior, their inner strength should never be small. They should never live in mediocrity. This advice empowers the child to move forward in life with confidence.

Through simple language and straightforward thinking, the poem conveys deep meanings to the child. These words are not just a father’s advice to his child, but a message for generations to come, serving as a firm foundation for life’s journey.

In every patriotic heart, the image of homeland is always deeply etched. It has become a part of who we are, a bond that runs through our veins. In his poem "Talking to My Child," poet Y Phương expresses his feelings for his homeland through a heartfelt conversation with his child.

Y Phương, a member of the Tày ethnic group, was born in Cao Bằng province. He wrote "Talking to My Child" in 1980, a time when, as he described, "The late 1970s and early 1980s were extremely difficult for the people of our nation, particularly for the ethnic minorities in the mountainous regions. Our country had just emerged from a prolonged and grueling war against the United States."

This social reality deeply influenced people's lives. Despite the hardships, the majority of the people persevered, using their strength and the enduring cultural traditions passed down by their ancestors to survive and thrive.

However, alongside the honesty and hard work of the good people, some were corrupted, resorting to illegal activities and exploiting the state's weaknesses. Reflecting on this harsh reality, I wrote this poem as a way to comfort myself and also to remind my future child." (Y Phương). The poet paints a picture of a loving, warm family, with parents and the laughter of children:

"Right foot steps to father

Left foot steps to mother

One step touches the voice

Two steps touch the laughter"

It is a home filled with love. The family scene becomes even warmer and more joyful with the presence of a child, the embodiment of the love between parents. A child's growth is the greatest happiness for parents, representing the deep, unconditional love they share.

The first four lines depict the child taking their first steps in life. Witnessing this moment, the parents are the happiest, yet also the most emotional, for while they are proud of their child's ability to walk independently, they are also worried and saddened by the inevitable falls and scrapes that life’s journey brings.

"Voice" and "laughter" are the goals, the encouragement and support that parents offer their child. The child is not only born and raised in the love of their parents but also nurtured by the love of the "people of the same land":

"The people of the same land love you dearly, my child

Weave bamboo to make fishing tools

Walls are made by song-filled hands"

The phrase "the people of the same land" is a simple and sincere way of referring to the people from the same region or homeland. The child grows up not only surrounded by the love and education of their parents but also immersed in the warmth and camaraderie of their community, where people live like a large family, always helping each other in times of difficulty.

They work diligently with nature, crafting bamboo and wooden tools, creating a home from the land they cherish. The verbs "weave," "tie," and "build" highlight the meticulous, skillful work required. The people of this land, though laborious, cherish life, finding joy in their work and lifting their spirits through song, enriching their souls.

No matter where we are born, we must never forget our homeland. Y Phương imparts this lesson to his beloved child through simple, heartfelt verses:

"The forest gives flowers

The road gives heartfelt spirits"

Beyond providing timber and food for daily needs, the lush forests of the homeland also "give flowers"—a metaphor for nature's beauty, an expression of life's vibrant essence. These flowers are unique, born from the rugged, rocky lands.

The paths of our homeland may be uneven, but they are filled with the heartfelt kindness of the people. These roads lead to homes, schools, and markets, and all are paved with the footsteps, voices, and unity of the community.

Our homeland is rich in both natural beauty and the generous hearts of its people. This is why the poet tells his child: "The people of the same land love you dearly." The homeland is the origin, the protective shield of the child, a firm foundation for their journey through life. The birth of the child is the greatest joy for parents:

"Parents will forever remember the wedding day

The first beautiful day of all".

The wedding day is the most important in a person’s life, made even more meaningful when love is rooted in a deep connection to one's homeland. The child is born of this love, nurtured by both the parents’ devotion and the land's affection.

The homeland is formed by people of great will and determination:

"The people of the same land love you dearly, my child

Measure sadness with the height of mountains

Distance is the measure of a great ambition

No matter the difficulties, father still wants

To live on the rocks, not minding the rugged terrain

To live in the valley, not minding the poverty

To live like rivers and streams

Climbing mountains, crossing rapids

Never fearing hardships"

The "people of the same land" possess admirable qualities. Despite a life filled with poverty and hardship, they maintain an unwavering determination to endure and cherish their homeland. They live tirelessly, connected to the land, never giving up despite challenges. The contrasting phrases "measure sadness"-"measure ambition" and "sadness"-"great ambition" illustrate their resilient spirit.

The poet uses the imagery of mountain climbing and river crossing as metaphors for life’s struggles, and the repetition of "not minding" shows their resilience. The comparison to rivers and streams emphasizes their fierce vitality.

The father’s final message to his child in the next four lines is calm yet profound:

"The people of the same land are simple in body

No one is truly small, my child

The people of the same land carve stone to elevate their homeland

And the homeland creates traditions"

Though "simple in body," the "people of the same land" are not weak. They possess an honest, unpretentious beauty, always focused on their homeland, willing to work hard to build and enrich it. Their pride in their heritage and their perseverance have given birth to unique cultural traditions.

If they were small or weak, they would not have achieved such feats. The poem ends with a heartfelt advice from father to child:

"My child, though simple in body

Go on your journey

Never be small

Listen, my child".

The father wants his child to stay connected to their homeland, to overcome difficulties with resilience, and to remember the roots that have nurtured them. The father and the people of the homeland will always be there, guiding the child through life’s challenges.

The poet, through his simple yet profound words, reminds us of the power of family, tradition, and the unbreakable bond with our homeland. "Talking to My Child" beautifully captures the love and strength of the family, while also honoring the rich heritage and unwavering spirit of the people of the mountains.

Y Phương is a poet with a distinctive voice, deeply rooted in the Tày ethnic culture. His poetry resonates with authenticity, simplicity, and profound love. The poem "Nói với con" is a perfect example of his unique creative style. The poem touches the reader with a deeply personal and sacred emotion: the bond between father and child. It expresses a father's heartfelt thoughts and desires for his child, wishing to be understood and heard by the next generation.

"Nói với con" serves as a father's intimate reflection, shared with his child from the moment of birth. The central emotion that runs through the poem is one of love, care, connection, and imparting the beautiful traditions of their people and those around them.

With a free verse style that is both bold and heartfelt, the poet's sincerity and simplicity enhance the warmth and closeness of these emotions. Y Phương weaves the fabric of everyday life into something sacred, with the first verses of the poem presented as if the father were gently whispering to his child:

The right foot steps towards father

The left foot steps towards mother

One step brings forth words

Two steps bring forth laughter

From the moment of birth, the child is enveloped in the loving embrace of their parents. Each passing day as the child grows is marked by the anticipation and hopes of the parents. As the child begins to take their first steps, the parents are always there, by their side, cheering them on. The simple imagery of "right foot", "left foot", "words", and "laughter" speaks volumes of the intimate and familiar bond between them.

An atmosphere of warmth and happiness permeates every line of the poem. Life spins on, yet the love Y Phương has for his child remains constant, heartfelt, and unwavering. He paints the picture of a child from infancy, instilling an understanding of those formative years. The poet continues to instill in the child a sense of deep connection to the people around them:

The people of my village are so dear, my child

Weaving baskets with flower patterns

The house walls echo with song

The forest offers its blooms

The road offers hearts of goodwill

Parents will forever cherish the wedding day

The first beautiful day of life

The people of this ethnic group are humble, hardworking, and skilled in all their endeavors. Though their lives are filled with hard work, they remain closely knit, supporting one another. The words "weaving" and "arranging" convey not just physical work but a deep, unbreakable bond of love and care shared by the community.

The poet instills in the child a sense of pride for their origins, urging them to value and preserve these connections. Their homeland and the people there are treasures that the child must remember and honor, striving to become a person who contributes meaningfully to society.