1. Poem: Youth - Hoa Diên Vỹ
Youth
Poem by Hoa Diên Vỹ
Is first love like a bell's chime,
Fading away, but its echoes linger?
Let it drift away with the wind's rhyme,
Why hold onto something so far beyond?
Why do old memories keep holding tight?
Is youth like a sudden summer shower?
It arrives so quickly and leaves in flight,
But we still enjoy the rain, despite the hour...
What is youth, have you figured it out?
Is it the exam room door swinging wide?
Is it an unfinished love letter, filled with doubt?
Or the vibrant flame of the phoenix flowers in stride?
Youth is the bright arc of a rainbow,
Is it a “bestseller” read in haste?
It’s the chorus of a lively love song’s flow,
It’s the foolishness that comes with parting, so misplaced…
Youth is the tears during exam times,
It’s the stumbles of growing, intertwined.
It’s the regret, not a burden to confide,
It’s the love for school uniforms, so fine.
It’s “horrible” poems written in class,
It’s “not knowing” during tests, causing wrath.
It’s the time when I yelled out loud, in mass,
And you smiled, clueless, like a “mad” path…
Youth is talking and laughing without care,
Hiding from mom while skipping breakfast there.
Buying a love poem for “her” so rare,
This trick beats all “satellites” without compare…
Youth is the flower blooming to its height,
Even if there’s no end result in sight.
Love’s tale, though unfinished, still shines bright,
Smiling, we have no regrets at night.
Youth is the unwearied wings of a dream...


2. Poem: Student Years - Đinh Thị Hiển
Student Years
Poem by Đinh Thị Hiển
The sky is clear, the clouds so high,
But why does my heart feel so unsettled inside?
The birds fly southward, drawn to the cold,
Maybe it’s winter where they’re headed, untold.
Do my friends still remember us, back at home?
Five years of being friends, through thick and thin,
Five years of books and classes, side by side,
Through war-torn skies, we faced the storm together.
We spent a year working hard, enduring pain,
But now, when I think back, love fills my heart again.
The hardships were there, yet joy filled the air,
Those were the days, so pure, so rare.
We dreamed of travels, of faraway lands,
Of internships and work we’d always wanted to try,
Working in places that we dreamed about,
Turning pages of life, with hopes soaring high.
Student life then was so grand,
Admired by the world, radiant and bright.
We walked to class, together each day,
Sharing both joys and struggles, come what may.
In lab experiments, we worked with delight,
Creating clones, feeling joy in each step.
We collected parasites, waited for fungi to grow,
When the results came, our hearts overflowed.
My friend, I miss those days, those times,
Under the moon, through stars, I remember you by.
With the glow of the night sky, my heart does fly,
And I wonder if you still think of me, from time gone by.


3. Poem: Memories Return - Hoàng Như Phượng
Memories Return
Poem by Hoàng Như Phượng
There are still those pictures from the past,
Of youthful days, walking to the lecture hall.
The lessons once filled with love and care,
Teachers’ words opening futures for us all.
The first lesson taught me to understand
The weight of hardship on my father’s back,
The care of a mother, her dampened shirt,
The silent sadness in my younger sister’s eyes.
Our family was poor, but I nurtured my dreams,
Spending years absorbed in my books,
Planning my path, step by step,
Steadfastly facing life’s challenges.
Yet still, those memories linger, full of joy and sorrow,
Of a time to love and cherish.
Of a period filled with uncertainties,
A beginning that opened wide to the future ahead.
Those memories remain, through the long years,
Following me as I step into tomorrow’s light,
Alongside me as I strive in my studies,
Turning childhood dreams into reality.
Student life, full of ups and downs,
With quiet focus on both studies and life’s burdens,
The warm embrace of friends, always there,
Sharing the hardships of being far from home.
I return to the land of my ancestors,
To build a new life, alongside my homeland,
With a heart full of dreams, ever reaching out,
To the bright horizon, calling me forward.
HNP - 4/11/2018


4. Poem: Student Moments - Tinh Tran Thi
Student Moments
Poem by Tinh Tran Thi
Anyone who has donned the student uniform
Will surely never forget the memories,
Of a time when joy and sorrow mingled,
In the lecture halls, full of dreams and aspirations.
In those moments, we could never ignore
All that we were meant to embrace.
From friends, teachers, to the dust of the chalk,
The thick textbooks that we vowed to finish.
As a student, we all thought deeply,
That we must strive, never allowing our dreams to fade.
We studied hard, hoping for a brighter future,
To one day stand in the light of a successful life.
Stepping into the distant halls of university,
Leaving behind the comfort of home.
Back at home, our parents still struggle,
Enduring the harsh winds, sun, and rain.
They sacrifice so we can walk to class,
Sitting in the lecture halls of university.
Everyone understands the weight of their labor,
So we push ourselves, striving to rise and succeed.
And surely, we can never forget
The long nights, filled with longing and sorrow.
The homesickness for the distant land,
But we endure, knowing we must press on.
Student life is truly a treasure, my friends,
Filled with experiences both exciting and new.
With friends, with mentors, and priceless moments,
All these memories we hold dear, forever true.


5. Poem: Those Days We Were Together - Phan Thu Hà
Those Days We Were Together
Poem by Phan Thu Hà
How many years have passed, it feels like no time at all,
Since we left school and went our separate ways.
You and I flew in different directions,
As seasons swiftly changed from spring to summer.
Back then, we entered university together,
Same course, same school, sharing familiar faces.
We still met often despite being in different classes,
Like a family, full of brothers and sisters.
We braved the rain and scorching sun together,
The cold winds piercing through thin walls.
“One horse’s pain, the whole caravan suffers”
—Every day, friends still visited to cheer us on.
Living away from home was tough,
Eating sweet potatoes and instant noodles with wild greens.
The thin blankets couldn't quite block the cold,
But we sang and played, joyously, loud and clear.
In my class, there were many girls,
In yours, mostly boys.
We joined together for spring festivals,
And even won prizes at the school competitions.
The school became our second home,
With red flame trees blooming each season.
We cherished our friendship and comradeship,
Saying goodbye was hard when the time came.
Today, we joyfully reunite,
With the boys and girls from years past.
Though our once-green hair has now faded,
We still embrace life, unafraid of the sun or rain.
Forever, we will stand by each other, my friend,
For only human kindness can be as beautiful as poetry.
Life may be short, but the bonds of friendship,
Will carry our dreams forward, forevermore.
Phan Thu Hà


6. Poem: A Memorable Time - Nghi Lâm
A Memorable Time
Poem by Nghi Lâm
I met you on a quiet night,
In Saigon, as the curfew rang.
From across the river at Thu Thiem,
The sound of gunfire made my heart race.
We grew up in times of war still lingering,
Even the classroom couldn't provide peace.
Studying and fighting side by side,
Resisting oppression and many other battles.
The song 'Down the Streets' rang out every day,
Calling students across the nation to rise.
Our private lives had to be put on hold,
As many gave their lives for a greater cause.
This was not what we hoped for,
But with sacrifices, pain, and loss,
We stood united, shoulder to shoulder,
We would rejoice in learning when the war ended.
You and I could never forget,
Though life seemed harsh with storms and trials.
So we had to part ways,
With you leaving and me waiting for your return.
On Liberation Day, joy filled the air,
But without you, my heart felt sorrow.
We had fought side by side for so long,
Marching together in the struggle for freedom.
Now, I must leave my beloved campus,
And take on a greater responsibility.
Though I may forget, I'll never forget
What we had—those unfinished dreams.
Goodbye, my dear. Don’t mourn.
For that time we shared will never fade.


7. Poem: Memories of a Southern School - Trương Túy Anh
Memories of a Southern School
Poem by Trương Túy Anh
I gaze at the old phoenix tree by the gate,
And think of Hai Phong, the red city I love.
The pink petals of the phoenix flower drift gently in the evening sun,
Bringing memories of my childhood days.
With teachers and friends I cherish so much,
During a time when the country was torn in two,
We longed day and night to reunite,
Hai Phong nurtured us with care and love.
As children, we grew up through the years,
In the Southern school where I once studied,
Countless bonds, struggles, and hardships
Were shared by our teachers, the Party, and the people.
On cold winter nights, when the wind cut through,
And sobs soaked my pillow,
The gentle caretaker would soothe us in the dark,
Covering me with a blanket, lulling me into dreams.
Autumn, winter, and spring passed by,
The phoenix bloomed, calling in the summer.
Beside us, dedicated teachers stood strong,
Teaching us with deep affection,
Planting the seeds of hope for a liberated South.
Fifty-four years have passed, and I still yearn,
The school of my past no longer stands in the port city.
But in my heart, the love and memories endure,
And I long to return to those familiar grounds.


8. Poem: The Day We Graduate - Hạ Quyên
The Day We Graduate
Poem by Hạ Quyên
That afternoon, we said our goodbyes, each choosing a different path.
Life's diary turned its page, leaving behind unfinished stories,
Threads of fate still tangled, waiting to be untied.
They rushed to find a shared direction,
With heavy hearts, they bid farewell.
They wandered, trying to reclaim lost moments,
Uncertain, their steps hesitated and unsure.
The dormitory was cold, no emotions tied to the walls,
The room empty, a space for one, with no one to comfort.
Life has a way of pulling us apart, but the pain is real,
As bitter as the taste of weak wine on a weary tongue.
And so, reality called, and we had to face it,
The fleeting days of love and dreams came to an end.
When the orders came, we had to move on,
And the narrow streets turned into grand stone castles.
No more dreams of thatched huts,
No more of the single love of market days.
But though we part ways, how can we forget,
That farewell on that unforgettable evening?
The times of youthful dreams brought both joy and sorrow,
Like adding spice to sweeten the bitterness of life.
We remember the days, “buying starfruit, selling lemons”,
And how a single pear blossom could taste as sweet as life itself!
Even when memories fade,
The farewell from that evening lingers, like a crescent moon split in two.
How beautiful those dreams were,
How beautiful was the youth that loved sitting under the moonlight.


9. Poem: The Land of Memories - Trịnh Thanh Hằng
The Land of Memories
Poem by Trịnh Thanh Hằng
The day you enlisted,
I stepped onto the university path,
Without even a chance to say, 'I love you.'
We parted, each going in different directions.
The road ahead was too long,
Climbing mountains and crossing rugged passes,
Enduring hardships and struggles,
Yet my longing never faded.
In every breath, I felt it,
The sweetness of love,
Plucking stars from the sky,
Sending them to the land of memories.
Far from home, in the rear guard,
The girl from back then,
Living the dream she once had,
Becoming a university student.
The calculus was complex,
Marxist philosophy long and deep,
Schedules dragging on and on,
In the whirlwind of student life.
Life as a student was tough,
But I never gave up on my dreams.
In moments of quiet, I'd drift off,
Remembering the faraway place.
Each letter on paper,
Full of longing and care,
Connecting two halves of the world,
One part love, the other part longing.
Sending my warmest breaths,
Sending sweet love,
Sending all my dreams,
And my burning heart.
Far away, do you feel it?
Winter steps softly forward,
Where cold lips touch,
Warming up with your love.
Poem by Trịnh Thanh Hằng


10. Poem: Don’t Call Me Uncle - Hồ Viết Bình
Don’t Call Me Uncle
By Hồ Viết Bình
At eighteen, you entered university,
While I was twenty-five, trekking the Truong Son.
Then came the day of national reunification,
I returned to the classrooms of the past.
You were young, life still uncharted,
While I was not old, though weathered by the storms.
We met one afternoon,
You called me uncle, and I wasn't pleased.
Time passed, and we finished the first year,
Our love blossomed quickly,
Shyly, you started calling me ‘brother,’
Two people, walking the same path, became a couple.
I was a soldier, impatient by nature,
You were gentle, with your moods and jealous streaks.
Little by little, from strangers to familiar faces,
We became one, joining in marriage.
You softly whispered, “I’m not afraid of hardship,
I only need our two families to love each other.”
Love me until your hair turns gray,
And now, I reflect—our first love remains, unchanged.


11. Poem: So Innocent - Hồng Soi
So Innocent
By Hồng Soi
The most unforgettable time in life is university days,
Life was tough, yet free of worries.
Evenings filled with the glow of study lamps,
Afternoons spent in the kitchen, with daily chores.
At the start of the week, everything felt abundant,
But by mid-month, it seemed the wallet was empty.
Graduation day was like a celebration,
Leaving school with excitement, so innocent!


12. Poem: Love and Ideals - Nguyễn Thị Khánh Hà
Love and Ideals
By Nguyễn Thị Khánh Hà
The day we parted, you asked: What are you studying?
I hesitated and simply said: Teaching.
You were about to ask more, but then stopped,
Slowly erasing the memory, as it faded away...
Over a year apart from loved ones,
I never wrote about school, about my classes,
Because I feared that my words would surprise you,
As our shared trust slowly drifted apart.
It wasn’t just now, even back then when I was with you,
You didn’t like the field I chose.
Ideals and beliefs, hearts growing apart,
My decision led me far from the love we shared.
I couldn’t force myself to sit under the banyan tree,
For time doesn’t wait for anyone.
My dreams felt overwhelming, a vision to pursue,
Striving to become the teacher I was destined to be.
The reality was unfamiliar at first,
As I gripped the pen to sketch out the lessons,
Knowledge scattered like chalk dust in the air,
And young eyes gazed at the distant sky...
On the bunk bed, the days passed by,
Learning foreign languages no longer seemed difficult.
With friends by my side, the struggles faded away,
Together, we built beautiful dreams for the future.
Your question has stayed with me to this day,
And now I am proud of my path.
And tomorrow, as the sun rises brightly,
I’ll proudly gaze upon my teaching school, full of passion.


13. Poem: The Poem Left Behind - Chu Minh Khôi
The Poem Left Behind
By Chu Minh Khôi
I search for summer’s warmth
On a quiet afternoon with no cicadas
Seeking the flamboyant blooms
While the purple jacarandas begin to fade.
The Ban flowers blink open, reluctant
Red with the sorrow of parting
The willow’s soft tresses hum a lullaby
As the water lilies rest in their tranquil sleep.
Don’t carve your longing into the tree’s bark
Don’t scatter your love upon the grass
A kiss, still unspoken, lingers
And dissolves in the full lake’s embrace.
Don’t cling to the clouds, my love
Don’t weep for the autumn ahead
Tomorrow we’ll leave the school gates
Our hearts scattered, as the winds blow in all directions.
If you feel sorrow, just sing
Don’t hold tight to farewell words
Tomorrow we’ll part from the school grounds
And the lecture halls will quietly weep.
Where will I find the hue of flowers
That carries memories through the evening?
The jacarandas in the pages of my notebook
Forever purple through my student days.
I turn over the pages of remembered afternoons
Years that were never peaceful
Can you find the days of the past for me
And send them to a place without a name?
CMK
(Youth Literary Magazine 1/1996 and HTT Magazine - Students June 1996)


14. Poem: Remembrance of the Wartime University - Phan Hoàng
Remembrance of the Wartime University
By Phan Hoàng
There was a time when the university was forced to relocate
Leaving Hanoi behind as the American forces relentlessly bombarded
We, the teachers and students, never feared the hardship
Evacuating to the mountains for several years.
Where we were relocated, amidst hills and forests
The people were poor, but their hearts were kind
They gave up their homes for us
Offering warmth and compassion by the winter's fire.
We went into the forest to gather bamboo
To build shelters so our teachers could hold their classes
Some classmates, though unfamiliar with such hard work
Persisted, despite the painful strain on their shoulders.
Like bees tirelessly searching for nectar
We, the students, eagerly attended our lessons
In classrooms beneath the shade of trees
Our teachers lectured, planting the seeds of hope for the future.
Some of my friends, drafted as soldiers
Left school with promises to return
At our farewell, there were no blazing bonfires
But instead, words of poetry and songs that warmed our hearts.
I remember the days of bombings and war
Where the mountain hideaway sheltered our university
Training the next generation of students
To protect and build a peaceful homeland in the future.


15. Poem: You Are Cruel - Đỗ Hương
You Are Cruel
By Đỗ Hương
"...is it not killing each other's lives?"
This morning, the rain suddenly fell
Before I could even get angry
There you are, why have you left
Without a word, just gone?
You, you are the Evening Star!
After every calm afternoon breeze
I hold my shattered heart
Begging you, oh sunset!
You, pure as the morning star!
With your wide-eyed gaze
You embrace the dawn tightly
And bury my fresh memories with your light.
You give me brown rings around my eyes
You make my heart forget to beat
Make the evening glow shatter
And awaken the dawn again.
You make the birds tire of their wings
You erase all the paths they fly
You gather their wings back
On the days when I still fly...

