1. SAIGON HAS DAYS FILLED WITH UNEXPECTED EMOTIONS!
Saigon has its days of deep sadness, my love!
The city divided by the weight of longing,
The spaces between us turning into fragments,
Every piece of life feels narrow and painful.
Saigon has those days when we're truly apart.
I count the falling leaves without waiting for you to return to our old street.
Our street seems to be lost in slumber,
Not bustling as it used to be.
Saigon has days when it craves the noise,
The vendors, the buyers, smiles bright as sunshine.
The street hides quietly by the lonely trees,
The weeping tamarind trees stand still under the rain.
Saigon has days when traffic is sparse,
Empty streets echo with the loss of familiar footsteps,
Lives scattered, dreams left unfinished,
In the daily grind for survival.
Saigon has days submerged in hardship.
The pandemic surrounds, people suffer together,
Unemployment and poverty creep into every corner,
Good people find themselves destitute just to eat.
I remain here, unafraid of the struggle,
Only pitying the innocent children's eyes,
Wishing for a peaceful day to come,
When there is no isolation, no separation like before.
Saigon has days of heavy rain and loud storms,
Only wishing the rain could wash it all away.
The things of today suddenly feel foreign,
So the city can wake up and start anew.
Saigon has days when people live to love one another.
Sharing meals, vegetables in the rush of the evening,
Eyes full of compassion, hearts moved with kindness,
For lives of those far from home, in unfamiliar lands.
Saigon has days when love overflows!
- Nghinh Nguyễn -


2. SAIGON AND THE AUTUMN SEASON
The skies of Saigon are gently drifting into autumn.
The sun casts a soft light, as the breeze sings a gentle lullaby.
The flamboyant tree sways, dropping each leaf one by one.
Slowly, they fall, turning the streets into a golden path.
As the day fades, the mist descends, softly touching the air.
The sun peeks shyly over the moss-covered walls.
At sunset, the tamarind trees stand quietly, their branches heavy with sorrow.
The green of the banyan leaves begins to turn a deeper red.
In Saigon, autumn arrives, filling the air with a sense of nostalgia.
The dark clouds hover above, casting their shadow over the city.
The rain comes quickly, only to leave just as swiftly.
When the skies clear, the streets are covered with fallen golden leaves.
The skies of Saigon seem to welcome autumn gently.
It’s not cold, but there’s a soft, lingering chill in the air.
It feels like summer is reluctant to leave,
And so autumn carries a hint of melancholy.
Every evening, the rain brings a sense of sadness.
The autumn wind whispers, carrying memories of love lost.
The skies turn pale as summer bids farewell, and autumn takes its place.
It feels like the echoes of a past love linger in the air.
In Saigon, autumn is as beautiful as ever.
As the sun sets, the sky glows softly, embracing the horizon.
It’s a moment of joy that fills the heart.
The gentle autumn breeze surrounds you, a comforting presence.
- Thanh Hùng -


3. SAIGON, SEND A LITTLE DEEP LOVE...
Saigon, each day, struggles with its own heartache,
The streets hide beneath the rhythm of isolation.
The familiar corners, the small streets I walked,
Now quiet, holding tightly to memories of love.
Saigon, my love, I once cherished you dearly,
In my youth, with books in hand, I walked beside you.
My feet touched every glowing alley,
And my heart eagerly sought connections filled with kindness.
Saigon, my love, still lingers in my thoughts,
My steps hesitate, longing to visit you once more.
Hiding my sorrow in the silent streets,
Every alley now sways with the weight of the pandemic.
Saigon, my heart, still quietly weeps,
Suppressing the pain, with tears barely held in.
The familiar smile I once knew is nowhere to be found,
For separation has created a vast distance between us.
Saigon, my hope, still waits for brighter days,
The lights will shine, and we will meet in joy.
We’ll fulfill the longing of these times apart,
And when the pandemic ends, our families will reunite.
Saigon, my city, will bustle again,
Welcoming people from every corner, seeking a home.
The kindness of the Saigonese will always remain,
Ready to help, to share in times of need.
Saigon, my city, will beat with vibrant energy,
Life will soon revive, bringing a fresh start.
Saigon’s nights will once again shine brightly,
As my city bows down to welcome the sunlight.
- Collected -


4. SAIGON IN THE AUTUMN OF LOVE
Saigon in autumn, with rain falling, leaves drifting down,
The trees look frail, my heart aching for them.
The late autumn sky chills with the gentle breeze,
Sending all my thoughts and longing your way.
I was told not to dream of the afternoon leaves falling,
Yet here I stand, lost in the memories that never fade.
The sound of leaves rustling, how long will it last?
One falling leaf is enough to bring sorrow.
They told me not to love the tale of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl,
A love always bound by distance, cold and rainy.
The tears shed in hopes for a reunion next year,
How long until the leaves return to their roots with the rain?
The alley is quiet, someone hastily shuts their door,
The yellow light spills across the ground, marking the traces of last night's rain.
As I walk, the memories feel soft, so gentle,
How I will miss, for love never comes back the same.
It will be so sad, a day filled with hesitation,
Who will search for whom in the empty autumn air?
We’ll lose each other in the darkened prison of time,
The scent of jasmine lingering, and the smell of old moss around us.
-PNT-
Saigon, October 2021


5. SAIGON, THE EVENING WIND RETURNS
This evening, Saigon feels the return of the wind.
My heart feels empty, disordered.
Who can I share this with? A voice left unheard,
Is love always so late in coming?
This evening, Saigon is wet with rain...
The empty streets stand alone in silence.
Who can I walk beside, to share this moment?
The late-night shadows flicker, uncertain.
This evening, Saigon feels so cold,
And yet I walk with empty hands.
Where can I find a hand to hold,
To warm my heart in this lonely world?
This evening, Saigon feels so alone...
A cup of bitter coffee, just for me.
Who can I find to share my thoughts,
To pass along these honest years?
This evening, Saigon carries on...
Couples walk side by side, hearts entwined.
Oh, my love, perhaps we too could pretend,
If only we had already loved each other.
- Kim Mi -


6. SAIGON NIGHT
Saigon at night, the cold wind blows,
No one knows how strangely lonely I feel.
People come but leave too soon,
Before I could rejoice, sorrow takes over endlessly.
Saigon at night, the leaves fall gently,
I silently walk through the shadows,
One tear falls on my warm lips,
Why does the human heart change so quickly?
Saigon at night, the bright moonlight gleams,
Love is fragile like this.
The words of passion I never had the chance to speak,
Were already met with indifference, as hands slipped away.
Saigon at night, the cold bites at my shoulders,
All my hopes faded and disappeared,
Saigon at night, the city sparkles with lights,
I walk alone, revisiting memories of love...
- Trương Tuyết Nghi -


7. SAIGON'S NEW DAY
Saigon at dawn, the sun rises,
The sky is blue, clouds drift softly across the horizon.
The old streets whisper of love, with memories thick as ever,
Thinking of a love once shared, passionate and sweet.
Remembering moments, love exchanged,
Sweet dreams, a love that felt so pure, side by side.
Remembering promises, constant and true,
Day and night, thinking of you, my love.
The words we spoke, the vows we made,
Forever intertwined, love and hope that never fade.
Saigon's new day, a poetic scene,
Sending my dreams to you, of a time long past.
Our love will always be remembered,
As summer comes again, our sweet love renewed...
- Minh Đức -
21.06.22


8. SAIGON'S EVERGREEN SPRING
Saigon in spring, Saigon forever young,
Its vitality is truly amazing, never undone!
Overcoming hardships, clearing obstacles from the path,
Three centuries, a journey that's long and vast.
Saigon in spring, Saigon in vibrant green,
The streets are bathed in sunshine, so serene,
Sunflowers bloom, glowing like the light of day,
Doves fly freely, bringing peace our way.
Saigon in spring, white robes glisten bright,
In the fragile balance between life and night,
Angel wings never tire or lose their flight,
Leading Saigon back to its tranquil, green delight.
The battlefield quiets, no gunshots sound,
Arm in arm, we walk through this new ground,
Many have sacrificed, quietly, with grace,
For Saigon's spring to keep its vibrant embrace.
.............
Saigon’s history now spans 324 years. The city was founded in early 1698 by Lord Nguyen Huu Canh (1650 - 1700), who was sent by the Nguyen Lords to Gia Dinh to establish the first government for the southern region.
- Nga Nguyễn -


9. SAIGON IN THE RAINY AFTERNOONS
The summer rain this afternoon stretches its path,
Winds and clouds in disarray, the distant sky forlorn.
The streets are quiet, the familiar road feels strange,
Oh, old friend, now fading away…
Now in Saigon, the old paths are distant,
The heavy afternoon rain brings a deep sense of longing...
Do you still remember the quiet Saigon,
With a heart that burns, lingering with memories?
Saigon remembers, sleepless through the long nights,
The streets with their lights, patiently waiting,
All the cherished moments, those old ties,
Where love blossomed, where promises were made.
The summer rain, distant afternoon, the walls reveal,
My heart is light, wanting to confess my love,
I still remember that rainy afternoon,
When we were together, radiant, with soft lips.
- Minh Đức -


10. CALLING YOUR NAME, SAIGON
Saigon, I long to call your name,
When suddenly I remember that distant place,
Images awaken, rushing back,
To you I come, trembling, with a bouquet of roses.
I miss Saigon, where a river flows,
Neon lights in red, green, pink, and purple, painting the street corners,
The gateway filled with people like a rushing torrent,
I will meet you where the crowd is thickest.
Oh, Saigon, how I miss your bright smile,
Still waiting, but why the silence between us?
Saigon still calls out to me,
Remembering the last light of dusk, the stars in the sky.
Which memory will I walk with you through the streets,
A warm kiss calling my fragmented soul,
Now filled with regret, but only half-finished,
For when we're apart, destiny is but a fleeting dream.
Saigon, I miss those sweet moments,
The embrace that made my heart race,
Though words are unspoken, I know you stayed behind,
My heart aches with the pain of tears, soaked in sorrow.
How strangely I miss Saigon, just like you,
Always young, with a touch of mystery and brilliance,
I remember your hair, the scent of incense in the wind,
When you seemed to appear at the end of the street.
I miss Saigon, with all its love!
- Đào Văn Cứu -
08/01/2022


11. SAIGON IN JULY
July is here, my dear,
The sky fades, losing its bright blue,
As the gray clouds gather, bringing downpour,
July arrives, and the streets are eerily quiet.
The children no longer gather in groups,
The cicadas have stopped singing, hiding from the rain.
July arrives, and I feel lost and adrift,
The rainy season deepens my sadness,
On rainy days, I stand by the roadside,
Waiting for someone, as the heavy rain falls.
July comes, but it will soon pass,
And my sorrow will fade into the falling rain.
Come back, my love, don’t wait any longer,
July will end, and I’ll wait for autumn with you...
-Collected-

12. THE PEOPLE OF SAIGON
I've lived in Saigon for quite some time,
From the days of youth to hair tinged with gray,
The people of Saigon are straightforward and sincere,
They speak plainly, no room for hidden meaning.
Saigon's people love meeting each other,
It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor,
Small street corner cafes, laughter in the air,
We live with warmth, letting the winds carry it away.
In Saigon, life is always fast-paced,
Whatever job you do, you can make a living here,
Saigon is carefree, with people all around,
Once you meet, you never want to forget.
We invite each other for drinks, often without knowing names,
One drink, and we're like old friends,
Saigon is where all regions come together,
From the north to the south, by the mighty Mekong River.
In discussions, the way we address each other is simple,
“You” and “me” are all we need, no barriers,
Saigon, how could I not love you so?
The people of Saigon, they live to love one another.
- Nguyễn Đình Huân -
Saigon, 18/09/2015


13. DEAR SAIGON
Saigon, Saigon with two seasons of sun and rain,
The golden sun gently guides you along,
The crowded streets slow your steps,
As the buildings embrace the bustling space.
The day we reunite, together once more,
We watch Saigon change, blooming with flowers,
A life full of hustle and rush,
Urging everyone to head home as the day ends.
The lively crowds add to the city's buzz,
In Saigon, business never slows down,
A young city always striving forward,
While you return, seeing things anew.
Lovers linger, waiting for each other,
As the sky brightens and everyone rushes in different directions,
The hustle of survival, full of worries,
While you return, seeking the familiar comforts.
On the corner, there's still an old vendor,
A kind elder greeting familiar faces,
The famous noodle dish passed down through generations,
In Saigon, where memories and love never fade.
You return to the endless, new roads,
Like an invitation for travelers from all over,
A modern city that never feels distant,
With beautiful girls walking the streets, inviting you to stay.
- Nguyễn Dũng -


14. THE FINAL DAYS OF THE YEAR IN SAIGON
Spring has arrived, and the Lunar New Year is approaching,
In the Southern skies, my heart is full of longing,
On the thirtieth morning, the last market of the year opens,
Will I return? I wonder if anyone else will.
The northern peach blossoms bloom bright and red this year,
In Saigon, the golden apricot flowers bloom with brilliance,
From afar, I miss the soft peach blossoms so much,
The longing stays deep within my soul.
Here, we have all the wine and flowers we need,
Even the square cakes from home have been sent,
But still, the memories linger, overwhelming and profound,
How do I send this yearning to the South?
In Saigon, the sun continues to blaze on this Lunar New Year,
I walk the streets, seeing peach trees blooming here and there,
Surely, someone here is also missing their homeland,
For years, the New Year has come and gone, but the longing remains.
Why is it that the full joy of both sides feels incomplete?
In the North, the peach blossoms, so vivid and unforgettable,
In the South, the golden apricot flowers, which I hold dear.
- Nguyễn Đình Huân -


15. WINTER IN SAIGON
Here, there is no winter,
Only endless sunshine that fills the days with warmth,
But today, a storm brews, with rain that lingers,
The sky is forgotten, clouds still seem melancholic.
Looking out, I watch the raindrops fall,
My heart wilts as the water flows on endlessly,
The streets are quiet, and my soul feels restless,
I silently wish for the return of the bright sunshine.
I feel the cold in my heart, like winter's embrace,
Come back, please, and warm my heart once more,
The promises we made are forgotten, and you have gone,
Leaving me with an empty space and lingering sorrow.
Youth slips away, and the rosy cheeks fade,
The once-green hair now touched with silver moonlight,
Saigon watches the sunset in silence,
And I sit alone, bitter tears falling.
- Chuyển Tạ -

