1. Poem: 'There is a Profession...' - Hồng Ngoãn
There is a Profession...
Poem by Hồng Ngoãn
There is a profession where the blackboard and white paper
And the hair grows whiter each night
Every step taken seems rushed
As one navigates the boat towards a peaceful shore
There is a profession honored by society
Where the words 'Teacher' are spoken with warmth
Imparting knowledge, upholding values
Forever devoted to the craft... even when others say you're wrong...
I choose this unique profession
Endlessly working through years
From dawn until the late evening
With pressure ever present... and chalk dust constantly falling
I will always love this profession, and I will never stop...
HỒNG NGOÃN 13/11/2018


2. Poem: 'Touching the Green' - Đỗ Hương
Touching the Green
Poem by Đỗ Hương
My heart aches for that place by the river
The dry, thirsty fields of the afternoon
The school gate bathed in golden sunlight
The cicadas' cry fading into the red flame trees
The fields now have rice, red with grain
The road curves, bathed in golden waves
The scorching summer burns all hopes
But you are still there, waiting for me?
The sky above is a deep shade of blue
So distant, like a poem from the past
Do you still hold the promise we made?
Is the sadness of the past still in your hair?
Waving into the blurry, familiar unknown
The city feels emptier without you
Last night, there were a few messages...
But I cried, tears from a stranger!
Writing on the pages of my dear notebook
With ink as clear as the night sky
Do you hear anything in the silence?
Do your hands still remember mine?
Summer, oh summer! Falling into the green
As the rain rustles through the leaves...
SunNy Do, 2017


3. Poem: 'Happiness in the Teacher's Eyes' - Hoàng Hôn
Happiness in the Teacher's Eyes
Poem by Hoàng Hôn
Yes...
I often find in the Teacher's eyes
The joy of one who feels truly happy
Like a gardener sowing seeds,
Rejoicing as the crops begin to grow.
She has overcome many daily struggles
Ignoring the calls from the outside world
Leaving all worries outside the classroom
Hiding every concern within
Even when some students are still... unruly.
Though I know...
That the round chalk will eventually turn to dust
And the marks of time will divide the color of our hair
But...
What the Teacher holds dear
Is a quiet faith that grows with each passing day
Is a humble dream, like a seed
Planted in the hearts of innocent young students.
Just a tiny... inch
The distance between glory and humble beginnings
The gap between the voice of conscience and falsehood
The divide between the noble teaching podium and the market stall
She never wavers or hesitates
She firmly holds onto her...
green lesson plan.
Then, what is a little... private loss?
Even if it means sleepless nights
No lesson plan is ever free of thought and worry
As her sweat
Deepens into it
Making the lesson the next day rich with the flavor of human kindness.
If the wind outside is... for the sky
And the flowers in the garden belong to the breeze
Then the Teacher belongs to... the young students
Each child's soul
Is like a house with its own pathways
She gently steps forward
Opening every door
With delicate fingers – like an angel.
What are a few years?
She gives all of herself through these long years
Never once asking for anything in return
Because no matter what, it could never repay
The deep gratitude of life...
So...
Teacher...
It's no surprise
When I often find in your eyes
The joy of one who feels HAPPINESS
It is what you GIVE and also RECEIVE
When you transcend everyday calculations
To be with your students
- the beloved young ones...


4. Poem: 'The Boatman from Last Year' - Ánh Tuyết
The Boatman from Last Year
Poem by Ánh Tuyết
This morning, I unexpectedly met my teacher
His hair now touched with the white of morning mist
I wandered in thought, wondering if it was chalk dust
From a time when the flowers of sunlight still clung to the air.
Our class has long since parted from the school walls
But he remains, the silent boatman
Still the lesson plans, still the white chalk
Relentlessly guiding the youth toward their future.
I wish time could circle back
To hear once more the lessons from those days
I long to bow my head again
Calling out to him with all the love and trust I hold.
I walk away, my heart full of memories
Of the faint shadow of that old teacher.


5. Poem: 'Respect for Teachers' - Phạm Quang Thu
Respect for Teachers
Poem by Phạm Quang Thu
On the last day of autumn, I think of my old school
Tears fall as we meet again
Childhood stammering out a few words
Grateful for the wisdom taught by my teacher.
The old school yard bears the marks of time
The ancient maple tree occasionally sheds its leaves
The purple flowers of the Lagerstroemia bloom in the hearts of people
All thanks to the teachers who shaped my life today.
Our reunion is filled with deep affection
The bond between teacher and student will never fade
Thanks to my teachers, I am who I am
With respect for the bright future they have shown me.
May you, dear teachers, remain healthy
Guiding many generations of students
May the educational journey be strong and enduring
And may we, your students, forever repay your teachings with love for our country!
09.11.2018


6. Poem: 'Gratitude to Teachers' - Dạ Quỳnh
Gratitude to Teachers
Poem by Dạ Quỳnh
"To cross over, one must build a bridge,
To make a child wise, one must love the teacher."
The teacher's work is as vast as the sky
The lessons shape us into 'trees' that stand tall.
Perfect scores and radiant smiles
Bring joy to the teacher's heart, glowing bright
The sun ahead beckons, do not retreat,
Through perseverance, sweet rewards await.
Teachers do not count the cost of effort
Guiding us through the deep rivers of knowledge
Every year a new journey begins,
Wings of learning take flight into the sky.
On the 20th of November, a day to remember
We honor the teaching profession and thank our mentors
The school that we love still stands
The blackboard and white chalk recall youthful days.
So many sweet memories remain
From our innocent childhood, forever in dreams
Today, as I write these verses
I deeply engrave the gratitude for teachers in my heart...
Dạ Quỳnh


7. Poem: 'The Teaching Profession' - Nguyễn Thị Khánh Hà
The Teaching Profession
Poem by Nguyễn Thị Khánh Hà
If time could rewind to days of old
I would still choose the profession I hold
For this vocation lights countless flames
Burning brightly through days and nights untamed.
Among the young, I find joy anew
For in their eyes, childhood memories renew
Their innocent faces bring back fleeting dreams
Fostering the growth of hopes and beams.
Though life is not as perfect as the poems we write
Challenges persist, and struggles take flight
Yet I see in their eyes a beauty so pure
Filled with love, compassion, and an enduring allure.
On this day, I send my heartfelt gratitude
To the teaching profession, so humble and true
Without flowers or grand celebrations, just simple words
A few honest reflections, shared through this verse.
MaiLan


8. Poem: 'Carved in Bone, Engraved in Heart' - Tony Bui
Carved in Bone, Engraved in Heart
Poem by Tony Bui
Does the traveler remember the shore he once knew?
The lessons taught by the teacher, engraved deep and true.
Guiding the boat of knowledge to build a brand new life,
Anchoring in the harbor of future dreams, free of strife.
Staying up through long nights, preparing tools with care,
From dusk till dawn, planting seeds for minds to share.
The teacher's labor is heavy, but rich in meaning,
Steering the boat, guiding the soul to a future gleaming.
Warsaw
10/11/2018


9. Poem: 'Memories of Autumn' - Phan Hoang
Memories of Autumn
Poem by Phan Hoang
Autumn arrives with golden rays of sun,
The breeze carries the fragrance of milk flowers.
The sound of the school drum stirs up memories,
Of days as a student, and later, as a teacher...
I recall my innocent student years,
Ink stains on hands, clothes covered in chalk dust.
Sitting in class, listening to teachers teach,
Eager for the bell to ring, so I could run and play with friends.
As I grew, I gained new friends each year,
From school to university, through times of hardship,
In the face of bombs, we held onto our faith,
Strengthening our resolve for a brighter tomorrow.
Upon graduation, I became a teacher,
Relocated with my school, class, and students.
We built classrooms from bamboo and leaves,
Teachers and students working side by side with passion.
In the mountains, classes were held under the trees,
The sound of the flowing stream echoed like a song.
In the early morning mist, the warmth of teaching,
Teachers and students shared dreams of the future.
The poor villagers opened their arms wide,
Supporting our mission, protecting us day and night.
They shared their homes so we could teach,
Keeping the fire burning on cold winter nights.
Peace came, and we rebuilt our school,
The new lecture halls bathed in sunlight.
Though challenges remain, our love for the school endures,
And we cherish it more each day.
Without noise, without demands for rewards,
As educators, we ask for nothing more than the chance to serve.
In silence, we find our fulfillment,
With passion for the profession and devotion in our hearts.
What greater joy is there for a teacher,
Than to see their students succeed in life?
As the years pass and their hair turns gray,
The students' success fills us with pride.
Autumn comes, and I think of my school,
Where memories of joy and sorrow are made.
Summer brings the red of friendship's flowers,
And Autumn marks the beginning of another school year.
September 2008
PH


10. Poem: 'A Wish' - Nguyễn Đình Cường
A Wish
Poem by Nguyễn Đình Cường
More than half a century has passed, yet I still remember it clearly,
I wasn't the best student, but I understood the lessons taught.
The punishment from the teacher for my mistakes was never unfair,
For he wanted us to learn, to understand right from wrong.
In those days, our meals were simple, with corn and sweet potatoes,
Our clothes were patched up again and again.
Yet the teacher's virtue was immense—patience and wisdom,
Guiding us to grow, shaping us like bamboo into strong trees.
We grew, not just in years, but in wisdom,
Learning to listen to the teacher's lessons, which shaped our lives.
Even now, though he is retired,
His words continue to guide us, and we still hold on to his advice.
P.S.: *A reference to the 1960s.
- - - - -
10/12/2018.


11. Poem: 'The Imperfect Star' - Hạ Quyên
The Imperfect Star
By Hạ Quyên
Was it fate that you were born under a bad star?
Your form was clumsy, your looks not perfect.
But you, my student, made a lasting impression on me,
With your innocent, slow learning, repeating the same grade twice.
In my class, you were the biggest student,
So honest, so confused, like a child.
Your clothes were always dirty, your long hair disheveled,
At fifteen, you were still in grade seven.
But above all, there was one thing that shone bright,
Your joy in attending school, eager to learn.
Your mother was worried, saying: "She insists on coming back to school,
Even though she had to repeat the year."
Though you were growing up, my child was still so young,
We were poor, and you struggled in your studies.
Your mother wanted you to quit school, to join her in trade,
But you pleaded, saying: "I still want my books."
Your mother worried: "What will the teachers say?
She’s still behind, and the tuition is unpaid."
Your determination was strong, and she sighed in agreement,
And sent you to class, though nervous and reluctant.
I saw you then, your innocent eyes,
Smiling happily to be back in class.
Day by day, you persevered patiently,
Following your friends on the path to success.
You’ve grown now, a little more mature,
Walking gently in your school uniform.
Your books are now secure in your hands,
And I watch you, feeling proud with every step you take.
You will move forward, strong and steadfast,
Your eyes will burn bright like the fire of the past.
That fire will burn away every flaw,
And make you a star, free from the imperfections of the beginning.
There will be nights when you forget to sleep,
As you celebrate success with your teachers and friends.
This star will shine brightly, kind and pure,
Guiding you to happiness and success.
(Written inspired by my young student in 2004)
Hạ Quyên


12. Poem: 'The Teacher's Contribution' - Thu Lê
The Teacher's Contribution
By Thu Lê
"To succeed, one must build a strong foundation,
To learn, one must respect and honor the teacher."
This old saying still echoes today,
Forever timeless, full of hope and belief.
The teacher imparts knowledge and vision,
While the educator shapes character and life’s purpose.
Teachers, like the vast ocean,
Planting seeds of wisdom for a bright future ahead.
The boat is steady each morning,
Unafraid of the rain or the long, tiring hours.
Rejoicing when the students shine,
But feeling the sorrow when a bridge goes astray.
Countless teachers have shone as examples,
Enduring hardships through foggy nights.
They rise above the struggles of everyday life,
Viewing their students as their own children, full of love.
Noble like the morning sun,
With the love given by Uncle Ho.
The sky is blue, the clouds are white, the kite flies high,
Teachers dream of small yet meaningful things.
The obedient student, diligent and lively,
Developing their body, their mind, and their joy every day.
The success we celebrate today,
Is thanks to the dedication of teachers from the past.


13. Poem: 'Gratitude to the Teacher' - Hồng Soi
Gratitude to the Teacher
By Hồng Soi
The love of father, the grace of mother, and the teacher's care
Nothing compares to this, so full of affection and devotion.
Parents endure the sun and rain,
Share their meals, their clothes, paving the way for their children.
Teachers carefully mold and refine,
Hoping that their students excel each time they speak.
Endlessly striving for the future,
Sowing seeds of hope, nurturing dreams that will grow.
It breaks my heart to see children,
Many of them wandering, lost on the streets.
Unable to attend school each day,
Surviving by selling what little they have.
What the teacher taught, I now understand,
As time passes, the lessons become clearer.
The teacher's gift is boundless,
Forever etched in my heart, spreading through generations!
November 16, 2018


14. Poem: 'Always Remember the Teacher's Words' - Phan Thị Tuyết Vân
Always Remember the Teacher's Words
By Phan Thị Tuyết Vân
How long has it been since I left the beloved school?
How many years have passed, I wonder?
But I still remember the gentle words of the teacher
That echo in my mind to this very day.
In those days, full of dreams and wonder,
I was often lost in thought, quietly pondering.
The heart, so young and eager, beating fast,
As the schoolyard bloomed with the red of the phoenix flower.
The lessons were so dear to me,
Each word carrying the dust of chalk.
My teacher, like a bright moon,
Guided me on the path I was meant to follow.
Listening to the whispering winds,
My heart stirs with longing.
Throughout life’s journey, I will always carry
The love and kindness of the teacher in my heart....!!!
Autumn Rain
HN, November 15, 2018


15. Poem: 'The Boatman' - Nghĩa Trần
The Boatman
Poem: Nghĩa Trần
Each year, a boat sets sail,
Carrying countless words to the shore of education.
Students achieve success and fame,
And later help their country claim its glory.
Like planting trees to protect the land,
We nurture knowledge with a heavy heart.
Without concern for the hardships we face,
We only wish for all to learn the lullaby:
"May our homeland be free of enemies,
May our families be blessed, with teachers guiding us.
On the streets, help those in need,
At school, practice respect, diligence, and honesty."
Teachers, when you seek answers,
To further enrich the knowledge within you,
Be the beautiful flowers,
That brighten the world with the pink of dawn.
Despite the struggles, eyes never stray,
Supporting each child, cradling their dreams.
Students, in their youthful innocence,
Are like small birds, lost in the garden.
Teachers guide with love and care,
Laying the firm foundation for a bright future.
The boatman rows tirelessly, day and night,
Crossing the river of knowledge for the sake of others.


