Buzz
1. Poem: The First Leaf
Poem: The First Leaf
Do you see it? Everything has passed
In the soft breath of time
That childhood left with such pride
The purple water lilies now deep in the eyes of desire
The beloved red phoenix flower has slipped away
The cicada's cry splits the clear water
The cicada's prophecy foretold unknowingly
Perhaps one person is also beginning to love
How much I want to say, how much I want to cry
The first song I sing is about the old school
A classroom with walls so blue
The schoolyard at night – the first leaves fall
The first nostalgia I have is for you
The memory in my heart is for my mother
Memories that will never be the same
Do you remember the school, the class, my name?
"There was a Snow White, my friends
And seven little dwarfs causing so much trouble!"
Ten little ones, look, in that classroom
(Oh, the pure laughter that fills the air)
Old stories, from years ago
Still moving, still so alive
The plum flower season then the fiery phoenix flower blooms
On the teacher's forehead, hair turning gray
And now the days of white braids have gone
The days of carving names on old desks are over
The fruit ripens on the papaya branches
The flowers have turned yellow, our pumpkins too
You loved me, but you have gone
The banyan tree keeps waving its hands
I miss you so much, but I only worry about turning back
To find no first leaf on the schoolyard ground.
Source:
1. The Rattle of Autumn, NXB Hội nhà văn, 1992
2. Forever Waiting, You Finally Came, Hoàng Nhuận Cầm, NXB Hội nhà văn, 2007
2. Poem: After Long Awaiting, You Finally Came
Poem: After Long Awaiting, You Finally Came
After waiting for so long, you finally arrived
It's a pity the autumn has just passed
Left behind on the table, the purple chrysanthemums
Four petals withered, three about to fall
After waiting for so long, you made it here
Like a bird in the eyes of the horizon
We have grown tired of the empty, deceitful words
Sing! even if it hurts, just once.
After hesitating for so long, you finally spoke
That pigeons never die young
Now I realize, now I remember
You are like a storm coming from afar.
My heart is like a small house
Your wind blows in – if tired – it blows back out
After waiting for so long, you stand there
Though autumn is here, the chrysanthemums have taken you away...
Source: After Long Awaiting, You Finally Came, Hoàng Nhuận Cầm, NXB Hội nhà văn, 2007
3. Poem: Autumn Dice
Bài thơ: Viên xúc xắc mùa thu.
Tình yêu đến trong đời không báo động
Trái tim anh chưa lỗi hẹn bao giờ
Viên xúc xắc mùa thu ru trong cỏ
Mắt anh nhìn sáu mặt bão mưa giăng
Anh đi qua những thành phố bọc vàng
Những thị trấn mẹ ôm con trên cỏ
Qua ánh nắng bẩy mầu, qua ngọn đèn hạt đỗ
Qua bao cuộc đời tan vỡ lại hồi sinh.
Anh đi qua những đôi mắt lặng thinh
Những đôi mắt nhìn anh như họng súng
Anh đi qua tổ chim non mới dựng
Qua tro tàn thành quách mấy triệu năm
Anh đi qua tất cả mối tình câm
Mối tình nói rồi mối tình bỏ dở
Đôi tay kẻ ăn xin, đôi môi hồng trẻ nhỏ
Đất nước đau buồn chưa hết Mỵ Châu ơi!
Lông ngỗng bay như số phận giữa trời
Trọng Thuỷ đứng suốt đời không hết lạ
Vệt lông ngỗng con đường tình trắng xoá
Có ai hay thăm thẳm giếng không cùng.
Nhưng chính anh không hay số phận lại điệp trùng
Khi mở mắt Mỵ Châu em ngồi đó
Toa thứ ba ôm cặp ai nức nở
Suốt đời anh mang tội với con tàu.
Sẽ tan đi những thành phố bẩy màu
Đôi trái cấm trong vườn đời em, anh làm vỡ
Nhưng giọt mực thứ ba em ơi không thể lỡ
Xin trải lòng ta đón chấm xanh rơi.
Giọt mực em thong thả đến trong đời
Không giấu được trong lòng tay nhỏ bé
Viên xúc xắc xoay tròn trong gió xé
Sáu mặt đời lắc cắc tiếng thơ anh.
Nguồn:
1. Xúc Xắc mùa thu, NXB Hội nhà văn, 1992
2. Hò hẹn mãi cuối cùng em cũng đến, Hoàng Nhuận Cầm, NXB Hội nhà văn, 2007
4. Bài thơ: Sông Thương tóc dài
Bài thơ: Sông Thương tóc dài
Mai đành xa sông Thương, thật thương
Muôn kiếp tình thương anh gửi lại
Sông ơi sông, sao sông trôi chảy mãi
Hạ chưa về, nhưng nắng đã Côn Sơn.
Mai đành xa sông Thương thật thương
Mắt nhớ một người, nước in một bóng
Mây trôi một chiều, chim kêu một giọng
Anh một mình náo động, một mình anh.
Nguồn: Hò hẹn mãi cuối cùng em cũng đến, Hoàng Nhuận Cầm, NXB Hội nhà văn, 2007
5. Poem: For the Phoenix of Yesteryear
Poem: For the Phoenix of Yesteryear.
One afternoon with no one to love
One afternoon with no one to despise
A funeral where no one knows who passed
Many afternoons we lost each other's names.
A cloud so clear it lacks color
A fire without a visible flame
A house that never closes its door
A road only known between you and me.
And a song that doesn’t need words
The birds singing atop a cannon's barrel
An eye that can never change its gaze
The Phoenix still red as blood from the old days...
Source: Waiting Forever, You Finally Came, Hoang Nhuan Cam, NXB Hoi Nha Van, 2007
6. Poem: That Direction
Poem: That Direction
The transparent night presses against the chest of that direction
Reuniting with the scent of burning grass from youth
A star falls across the long barbed wire fence
The land where no rooster's crow can be heard
Where the sharp smell of burning grass stings the sunset.
It is a place so restless
Receiving letters from mother through seven rounds of smoke and fire
The wound is red, the bullet shines bright
The strange green leaf falls in this life.
The sound of the rainy season arrives beside me
The unspoken love rests on mother's hair
The voice of the nation on the lips when the bullets tear
The final voice when the gun is in hand.
The place where Hiến lies – now the sky is pale with fog
The place where Thi sleeps – the morning is tinged purple with earth
The old frontline, midday brings the honey grass
Oh, the trenches, passionate at the age of twenty.
The passionate trench lives inside me
Deep green as the mountain pass at New Year's Eve
The girl who carries me through the rain of bullets
Silent love, secret paths of communication.
It is the direction where your face is still unknown
Where we didn't have time to cry for friends who closed their eyes
It is the direction where the tomb of the one who guards the land rests
Lightning beside the road like a brown star.
That direction stretches endlessly to Ca Mau
Where the waves are white, and the forest leaves are dark green
Oh, that direction, wherever I go, I find it
Singing boundlessly the word Land, oh tree leaves!
That direction remains forever inside me
I seem to lift my own hand, as if hearing it speak
Oh that direction! Forever like a question mark
On the shoulders of youth - before the horizon.
Source: Waiting Forever, You Finally Came, Hoang Nhuan Cam, NXB Hoi Nha Van, 2007
7. Poem: The Sun Cafe
Poem: The Sun Cafe
With hands still stained with coal dust,
I lead you into the Sun Cafe,
Perhaps the coffee is brewed too sweet,
The glass cup reflecting the earthly sun of paradise.
Two spoons in two small cups,
Silently stirring something very large,
The chase without anyone fleeing,
My heart beats calmly and aimlessly.
There is something mystical like poetry,
Yet faintly resembling a freshly bloomed ephemeral flower,
The secret I am ready to reveal,
But the stubborn sun refuses to believe.
But the stubborn sun - If only you...
But the stubborn sun - If only I...
If the stubborn sun persists, it will be lonely!
Source: Waiting Forever, You Finally Came, Hoang Nhuan Cam, NXB Hoi Nha Van, 2007
8. Poem: Clouds at the Horizon
Poem: Clouds at the Horizon
Thought there was nothing left to lose, Vân
The ink bottle spilled on the shattered heart
Love is not like the song we hear
Every return is bitter in the same way.
No one left to resent anymore
All wounds will eventually heal
What was unsaid, I will speak of someday
Only regret, you are like the cloud at the farthest horizon.
There is a road that suddenly feels close
The land of An Tiêm - open your eyes, and it’s within reach
That familiar yard, and the garden you knew
Two roses bloomed before you left.
We met so simply, so oddly
I was like a drunkard on the road, and you happened to see me
If it's extinguished – tonight, it will burn again
What should I wish for in this light, Vân...
Source: Waiting Forever, You Finally Came, Hoang Nhuan Cam, NXB Hoi Nha Van, 2007
9. Bài thơ: Chân dung biển
Bài thơ: Chân dung biển.
Đó là khoảng trời đằng sau cánh cửa
Chân dung em treo lệch trên tường
Có một bãi biển xanh như tưởng tượng
Vỗ xót lòng
Vỗ dưới mái nhà anh.
10. Poem: The Thousand-Year City, The Spring City
Poem: The Thousand-Year City, The Spring City
This is the land where the dragon rises in grace
The sound of the Trấn Quốc temple bell forever ringing
Each road leads us into mythology
Every face is as beautiful as a lotus bloom.
This is Thăng Long – this is Đông Đô – this is Hanoi.
This is where the soul of the river and mountain rests within us!
Source: Nhân Dân Newspaper, Canh Dần New Year Issue 2010
11. The Poetry Style of Hoàng Nhuận Cầm?
Hoàng Nhuận Cầm, one of the prominent modern poets of Vietnam, has a unique poetic style with the following characteristics:
- 1. Realism and Social Awareness
- Hoàng Nhuận Cầm often explores social, political, and real-life issues in his poetry. He does not shy away from addressing pressing and unresolved societal issues, offering a deep reflection on the state of society and humanity.
- For example: In the poem "A Rose for Someone", Hoàng Nhuận Cầm highlights social concerns and emotions, while critiquing injustices and inequalities in life.
- 2. Strong and Authentic Language
- The language in Hoàng Nhuận Cầm's poems is often strong and authentic. He uses specific words and vivid images to convey emotions and ideas directly and sharply.
- For example: In the poem "Journey", he uses powerful language to describe the journey and challenges people face in life.
- 3. Social and War Themes
- Hoàng Nhuận Cầm's poetry often focuses on social issues and war, reflecting the pain, loss, and experiences of people during periods of conflict. He not only records the suffering but also expresses resilience and hope.
- For example: The poem "Life Is Like a Dream" portrays the author's reflections on life and war with strong imagery and genuine emotion.
- 4. Combining Tradition and Modernity
- Hoàng Nhuận Cầm blends traditional and modern elements in his poetry. He uses traditional poetic forms but with modern content and expression, creating a style that is both classical and innovative.
- For example: In the poem "The Sun and the Sand", he combines traditional poetic forms with modern elements, resulting in a unique and rich work.
- 5. Philosophical and Contemplative Themes
- His poetry often carries philosophical and deep reflections. He explores life, humanity, and the universe, offering personal insights and perspectives on significant matters.
- For example: The poem "Preface of a Generation" reflects on the life and values of the current generation with deep contemplation and philosophy.
Hoàng Nhuận Cầm's poetry style is a fusion of realism, strong language, social themes, and a blend of tradition and modernity. These characteristics make his poetry unique and influential in contemporary Vietnamese literature.
12. A Rose for Someone
I give you a red rose
You hold the rose, unaware
The rose is for someone alive
Like my message to you.
I give you a red rose
Along with dreams
That I haven't yet fulfilled
I give you a red rose
Like all that I have lived.
I give you a red rose
With all the love
That I cannot express
With feelings that cannot be described
Like the pain and joy.
I give you a red rose
With all the things unfinished
The things I couldn't accomplish
As a final gift
Before I leave.
"A Rose for Someone" reflects the sincerity and deep emotions of the author through the image of a red rose. The poem combines love and sharing, with dreams, feelings, and unfinished things. Hoàng Nhuận Cầm uses simple yet meaningful imagery to convey a message of affection and regret.
Notable features of the poem:
- The image of the red rose: The red rose is used as a symbol of love, sincerity, and sharing. This image creates a sense of closeness and emotion.
- Sincere emotions: The poem expresses the author's sincere and deep feelings. The words reflect care and affection for the recipient.
- The blend of love and regret: Hoàng Nhuận Cầm combines love with regret and the unfinished, creating a work full of emotion and meaning.
- Simple yet profound language: The language in the poem is simple but profound, helping to clearly and sincerely convey emotions and messages.
The poem "A Rose for Someone" is a remarkable work by Hoàng Nhuận Cầm, reflecting the subtlety and depth in his perception of love and life.
13. The Journey
The road winds through many turns
Leading to a place unknown to all
The footsteps I take are silent
On this long and distant path
I have faced countless trials
Endured both bitterness and joy
I’ve been searching for something
On a journey with no clear destination
At times I feel exhausted
At times I feel drained
But I continue onward
On this endless road ahead
The journey is not about the destination
But about the steps I've taken
It is about the experiences I've had
And the lessons I've learned along the way
I don’t know where I’m headed
But I know I am not alone
For on my journey
I’ve met good-hearted friends
My journey will not stop
No matter the obstacles or trials
I press on with faith and hope
In my heart, forever burning
"The Journey" by Hoàng Nhuận Cầm expresses the author's reflections and emotions about life and personal journeys. The poem highlights not only the challenges and obstacles people face but also emphasizes the value of persevering despite the uncertainties that lie ahead.
Key features of the poem:
- Philosophical and contemplative: The poem is deeply philosophical, with profound reflections on the journey of life. Hoàng Nhuận Cầm uses the imagery of the road and journey to explore the meaning of life and personal experience.
- Imagery of the road and journey: The road serves as a symbol for life and the human journey. It represents continuity, exploration, and the relentless march through life.
- The combination of challenges and hope: The poem reflects the interplay of hardships and hope, conveying an optimistic message about moving forward despite the difficulties faced.
- Sincere and emotional language: The language of the poem is simple yet filled with emotion, effectively conveying the author's thoughts and feelings clearly and authentically.
"The Journey" is a representative work of Hoàng Nhuận Cầm, reflecting profound insights into life and the human journey. The poem is not only a lesson in perseverance but also a reminder of the value of lived experiences in life.
14. The Prologue of a Generation
We are not heroes
We are just ordinary people
Working every day, living ordinary lives
With our worries and daily concerns
We do not have grand achievements
We only have small, humble tasks
We are not celebrated on a high podium
We seek only simple happiness
We live in times of great change
We witness monumental shifts
We may not change the world
But we do what we can
We do not dream of the impossible
We live with what is real
We do not seek fame
We only search for peace
We are the generation of simplicity
We are the generation of workers
We do not write history
But we have lived sincerely
"The Prologue of a Generation" is a poem that expresses the self-awareness and reflections of a generation about their experiences. Hoàng Nhuận Cầm uses sincere and simple language to reflect the realities of life and the values that his generation has contributed.
Key features of the poem:
- Narrative and reflective: The poem has a narrative and reflective tone, contemplating the generation's experiences and contributions, even without grand achievements.
- Imagery of an ordinary generation: Hoàng Nhuận Cầm describes his generation as ordinary people, without major victories, but still living and working with sincerity. This reflects the humility and realism of that generation.
- Sincerity and practicality: The poem's language is sincere and pragmatic, reflecting a clear understanding of life and its true values.
- The blend of individual and collective: The poem speaks not only of the individual but also of the collective, describing how the author's generation has lived and worked in the context of their society.
"The Prologue of a Generation" is a significant work by Hoàng Nhuận Cầm, offering profound insights into the author's perception of his generation and the true values in life. The poem provides an honest and humble view of what this generation has contributed and endured.
