Top 20 Beautiful Poems by Poet Nghia Tran

SCENERY AND CUISINE OF TUY PHONG
Poet: Nghia Tran

Come visit Tuy Phong, a land so dear
Where the ocean waves embrace the white sand
And the anchovy fish sauce is nature's gift
Mount Bang Lang stretches, hills so grand

Along the poetic Song Doi Lake, watch the clouds drift
The winding pass with trees leaning left and right
Autumn’s golden touch colors the leaf-filled path
From Fall to Spring, the seasons take their flight

The vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see
The ancient Thach Co Pagoda stands, its stones overgrown with moss
Its timeless charm brings peace to strangers' hearts
While rows of Casuarinas stand in peaceful repose

Welcoming visitors, mostly for pilgrimages
Or adventurers stopping for rest
Smiles abound as they behold this magical land
Watching sunsets as day and night merge at their best

At night, the spirit wanders, watching boats chase the moon
Fish darting after lights in the boat’s wake
Freshly grilled squid and fish sizzling on the coals
The aroma fills the air, and the sauce awaits

A bowl of congee, sweet and warm within
The taste lingers, unforgettable and rich
Grilled clams with salt, pepper, and lime to please
And crabs, sweet with red roe, tempting with each pinch

Come soon, my dear, I’ll welcome you with delight
With the salty sea breeze and flowers in bloom
The heart will bloom, tied by love’s thread tight
As we write your name on a beautiful card, the world in bloom.

MOONLIT REVERIE
Author: Nghia Tran

Under the spell of sleep, the golden moon seeks refuge
The maiden, bare, sheds her clothes with grace
In awe, I am swept into her slumber's embrace
She shyly leaves, closing the window with a trace

I follow, reaching out, longing for her to stay
The moon, with a furrowed brow, promises to come near
Preparing tea, I wait, hoping she will appear
To share stories and laughter, in moments so dear

The moon, so strange, stands still in the sky
Hiding behind the palms, the stars gather close
They tease and play, whispering sweet prose
My heart stirs, wishing to take what is mine

But the moon drifts, too far to reach
With hands that cannot grasp her heart’s hold
Heavy with sorrow, I wander, growing cold
Drinking bitter wine, hoping for peace

In my intoxication, I stumble, swearing to sell the moon
Betrayed by love, abandoned when in need
The sky pulls the clouds, and the moon is gone indeed
A storm arrives, and the poet weeps, lost in gloom.

GOLDEN DUST AND STONES
Poem: Nghia Tran

This morning I sat by the river, fishing
And saw golden specks glittering at the riverbed...
I asked my friend, who said: those are Golden Dust
I didn’t believe, so I called them Stone Dust...

These dust particles, whether gold or stone
Silently weave the fabric of the world
Small grains shimmer, casting golden rays
Reflecting the depths of the river in mystery...

I heard my friend tell a fairytale
Of a golden fairy who loved a young man
Though their fate was sealed, their love remained
And their tragic end left both hearts in pain...

The young man died, his body became a tomb
The fairy wept, her tears turned to gold
Her body became a barren desert
With thirst and sorrow, missing her love...

I reflected on life’s sad futility
Seeing how wretched I had become
Living aimlessly, no longer seeking love
I scorned everything, disillusioned with the world

And then I mocked myself, calling me stone dust
Not caring for strangers who come and go
Living detached, waiting for my youth to pass
And then my spirit will return to the dust.

SOME EVENINGS ARE LIKE THAT
Poem: Nghia Tran

Some evenings, the sunset fades into the mist
The sky stays pale, and my soul breaks apart
The sea turns grey, the water deceiving me
Waves rise and fall, borrowing excuses to claim both shores

Some evenings, the cold wind leaves me feeling lost
A white mist covers, creating an eerie, ghostly scene
The casuarinas sleep, their song unheard
The road is empty, sadness fills my heart

Some evenings, I reignite memories of longing
Sitting quietly, the room grows even more sorrowful
Through the window, I watch the first rain of summer
The falling droplets mix with my tears, flowing uncontrollably

Some evenings, I lose my way, searching for you
The road of love has led me into a dead end
Where lies remain and truth disappears
Grief climbs higher, and love is lost along the way

— Tuy Phong, April 10, 2019.

THE RAIN OF LOVE
Poem: Nghia Tran

I wish to be the first rain of summer
To cool your heart, tired of the burning sun
Let the rain wash away the old painful memories
And bring warmth to my shattered heart

Though I know this love was once deep
The one who comes later always bears the sorrow
Fate was cruel, you closed your heart long ago
Embracing the pain, tears soaking the pillow

Love borrowed and fleeting, burning quickly
The fragrant garden deceives the butterflies
Leaving you with sorrow for days gone by
Your heart shuts the door, blaming fate’s cruelty

From then on, I feared love and confusion
So I built walls of doubt around my heart
The one who came after could never compare
How could they win if there’s no chance at all?

The one I dream of, I searched for all my life
When we met, you barely spoke your love
Was it because your lips lost their bright hue?
Not wanting to bind yourself to a foolish heart

Then, as true love faded far away
The silent night was cold, and dreams felt hollow
Loneliness surrounded, hiding the truth
The image of you slipped into my poems

Once again, I long for the fragrant garden of love
To lean on your shoulder, whispering everything
Let me open my heart to the call of love
Thank you so much, my dear fool!

THE SONG OF APRIL 2
Poem: Nghia Tran

Summer greets April with a torrential rain
As I wait to greet you with these love-filled lines
We pass each other without a word of farewell
The first blossoms of the season, butterflies in flight

April arrives with the purple hues of grass on the hills
White dresses fluttering in the schoolyard, playful yet defiant
The cicadas sing their farewell, none of us wishing for it
Our diaries are passed, holding onto our rosy dreams

April comes, oh Summer! Are you sad?
Does the first love ever break apart?
Does the bicycle still carry unspoken grudge
Now that no one’s there to ride with you through the days gone by?

The deep gaze of the old security guard
Seems to see through the train station as we part
A flock of birds takes flight for the first time
The old schoolyard stands silently on the sidelines

Who still remembers the memories that rush back?
The letter sent with promises still wet with ink
The desk drawer shut in a huff, now just a memory
And the poems that once called your name.

A MOTHER'S LOVE
Poem: Nghia Tran

Mother measures out the grains
With drops of sweat from the fields
She carries me up the hills
And plants corn that will bloom in time

Her shoulders bear the weight of the family
Her feet crush the days of youth
I dare not look too deeply into her eyes
For I fear seeing a sky of dried tears

Her hands thread the needle to patch up the broken dreams
She sits up late, watching her child shed quiet tears
She gathers the dew of her youth for a life of sacrifice
And silently gives up her beauty for the family

In my childhood, I remember the dreamy mornings
Mother rises to search for coal and start the fire
She pounds the rice, preparing our humble meals
Her eyes, veiled by the smoke, reflect the stars

A mother's love is like the endless waves of the sea
How can I ever repay this debt of gratitude?
Thank you, Mother, the woman who is no longer young
A lifetime of labor born out of love for me

The beautiful rose garden cannot compare to the wear of her skin
The sky's beauty pales beside her silver hair
Even the brightest stars cannot rival her eyes
What artist could ever capture her soul?

Thank you, Mother, for shaping this life
Thank you for the morning rice you served
Thank you for the years of hardship
Thank you for guiding me to the future.

THE SAD EVENING
Poem: Nghia Tran

The evening sun slowly fades away
As summer turns over, quietly brushing the air
The cows graze peacefully on the fields
Clouds drift lazily over the hills, as the pines bow down

A gentle breeze stirs the leaves
The fog and mist wrap the hillside
The sun sinks back into its cradle
Shadows stretch across the mountains as night whispers

I watch the swallows fly, my eyes growing tired
My soul heavy with distant thoughts
So many times I’ve waited for the sunset
So many times my heart has been broken by unfulfilled hopes

I cradle memories, letting the past sink into the depths
Forcing myself to fall into oblivion
The path of love leads my feet astray
And the words of affection close, needing no reply.

THE OLD SOLDIER'S STORY
Poem: Nghia Tran

Back then, he left for the war
Promising me to wait until he returned
His mother wept, teary-eyed
His father sat silently under the bamboo tree

The battlefield was fierce
Letters came less and less
Bombs tore apart the thatched roofs
The village lay in ruins

Under the silver moon, I would watch his figure
He was a soldier of Uncle Ho
He trekked the Truong Son Mountains
Marching south with the liberation army

His homeland called
Peace called
His comrades called
With his backpack, he said goodbye to his family

Through nights of endless rain
Fever raged on for days
Shrapnel lodged just millimeters from his heart
Yet nothing could break his spirit

Comrades fell, one by one
Graves rose from the earth
Blood mingled with tears
A deep fury smoldered

War is unavoidable
The village’s bamboo groves grew dark with scars
Separation haunted his nights
He dreamt of a day to reunite

His parents died from missing him
His wife disappeared in the chaos of war
Who was left of his comrades?
He waited for peace to honor their sacrifice

In the spring of seventy-five
The flag waved proudly in every street
Victory was carried by the wind
The South was liberated at last

Returning home
One leg was lost, the other barely standing
The people gathered to welcome him
With tears of joy and sorrow

Where were his parents?
Where was his wife?
Only a few comrades remained
Would he have preferred to stay in the ground?

Over thirty years later, listening to his tale
The old soldier still weeps
The scars of war have healed
But...
He never once dreamed of receiving glory

He searched for his comrades
Along the Truong Son range, their forgotten graves left abandoned
He searched for his wife
Spending his life in silence and solitude.

JEALOUSY
Poem: Nghia Tran

I don't want you talking to strangers,
Because, darling, I’m jealous, don't you know?
Or when you're free and wandering around,
Complimenting handsome men on Facebook, oh!

I even get jealous of the poems you write,
Your first love still lives in your heart.
Others may come, but the past still lingers,
Should I stay silent, or fight for my part?

We often argue, I head out to drink,
Jealousy smolders deep inside.
You send quick texts, then delete them fast,
Only to ask me about old friends who still reside.

You say I’m jealous all day long,
From dawn till dusk, my jealousy’s clear.
If I had known, I would have never fallen in love,
The neighbor’s son can’t even make a move, I fear!

I smile and say, 'It’s because I love you so,'
Jealous of everything, the sky, the breeze, the road.
The things you praise, I begrudgingly compare,
Jealous forever, until I stop breathing, untold.

You don’t remember how I feel,
Carefree, flirty with anyone you meet.
Every time you go out, you put on your best,
With that sweet scent, and a smile so neat.

Then one day, your old friend came around,
To visit the school we once attended.
She was pretty back then, I was deceived,
But love for you grew strong, even though we were suspended.

Waiting by the door, 'Where are you?' I ask.
Jealousy stirs up, you’re late again tonight.
Your red lipstick’s still there, and if I check,
I’ll know something’s wrong, something’s just not right.

My mind races with thoughts of stories unknown,
Maybe you’ve had too much to drink, with her by your side.
And you hugged her, kissed her, then walked out slow,
Enjoying each moment, too lost to hide.

Suddenly, tears fell, filled with shame,
Regretful for the happiness we once shared.
Jealousy bubbled up, I propped my chin up high,
Realized your care, jealousy seemed so fair.

Why didn’t I think of this before?
You cared so much, but I didn't see it then.
You told me jealousy was a pain to bear,
Now I know, love causes a hundred times more, again.

As I fell asleep, a strange scent lingered,
Gifts, candles, cakes, and flowers so sweet.
Opening my eyes, I saw you with a smile,
Happy birthday, thirty years, my love so complete.

I wiped my tears, ready to kiss you with love,
‘I’m jealous now, really jealous, my dear.
Don’t leave me even for a single moment,
Jealous till the end of my days, always near.’

Ho Chi Minh City, 16/3/2019

CLINGING TO REMEMBRANCE
Poem: Nghia Tran

The life of a wanderer, forever haunted by love’s pain,
Memories of the past, fleeting like a dream.
Endless tears flowing, as shadows quietly creep,
Why do I hastily wake, yearning for clarity?

The path of love is a maze, full of deceitful charm,
Throwing out the net, deceiving the naive.
But why, when the soup is almost done,
Do they quietly cast the waves that shatter everything?

Carrying love’s burden, tangled in debts,
The dust of time plays tricks, pretending joy.
Graves of sorrow open, hiding all that remains,
My heart died young, awakened by dreams of love.

Why do I still seek the river, despite my fear?
Why still consume the poisonous flowers that bloom?
Why do I continue to dream of what once was?
Why do I still wait, bound in the sea of suffering?

Even though I know it's pointless, I still try,
Borrowing chants to free my spirit.
Using sorrowful poems to cleanse the foolish mind,
For mankind’s soul is bound by memories we cannot escape.

Ho Chi Minh City, 15/3/2019

A SAD LOVE STORY
Poem: Nghia Tran

I remember the days in kindergarten,
When we used to pretend to be husband and wife.
You’d ask if I loved you,
And I would nod, agreeing with a smile.

There were no matchmakers,
No veils or gowns.
We lacked the wedding dress,
But somehow we still formed our bond.

Our parents knew and scolded us,
Punishing us with two strokes each.
Fearing your pain, I’d say,
‘Punish me instead, not her.’

We silently watched as two children,
Were told they were a perfect match.
Your father took you away,
While flowers fell in the courtyard.

Now, I hold a rifle,
Answering my country’s call.
You, a brave teacher,
In a distant, remote place.

The lonely island feels desolate,
And I call to check in on you.
We promise to watch the full moon,
Under the poetic sea night sky.

Suddenly, my heart stirs,
As I remember our first days,
When we pretended you were the bride,
But we never had our first kiss.

We teased each other with loud laughter,
You said, ‘We’ve been married for a long time.’
‘I’ll love you forever,’ you declared,
‘This life, I will always be faithful.’

We met under the crimson flowers,
In the schoolyard, the air filled with cicadas’ song,
Welcoming home the soldier,
As the children gathered round, demanding attention.

They begged me to carry them or to hold them,
Singing, ‘Break the flower vase,’
Then blaming it all on the little kids.

As dusk fell and the night grew dark,
We took a shortcut through the forest.
Silently, I thought of our love,
Full of longing and quiet yearning.

To ease my shyness, I asked,
‘Do you love me, teacher?’
You quietly gazed at the stars,
And nodded in agreement.

Three nights passed, filled with sweet dreams,
Inhaling the fragrance of ripe grapefruit.
We promised that when winter ended,
We’d reunite, and I’d ask for your hand.

Our parting was filled with sorrow,
You gave me a handkerchief as a gift.
I kept your T-shirt close to me,
As a token of our love.

Carefully, I wrapped it up,
And tucked it into my belongings.
Whenever I missed you, I’d take it out,
Staring at it, lost in thought.

Each time you couldn’t sleep,
I’d hold your T-shirt to my chest,
Its scent, still strong, comforting me,
And I’d drift into peaceful dreams.

One night, a storm suddenly hit,
And the ship lost its way.
Exhausted and helpless,
We struggled against the odds.

There was only one lifejacket left,
And I gave it to the young soldier.
My comrades vowed to stick together,
To live and die together.

We tied ourselves together,
As the ship sank deep into the ocean.
Three of us went down forever,
But the rest of us held onto hope.

Though I didn’t survive,
Though I sacrificed my life,
That handkerchief, embroidered with my promise,
I entrusted it to my comrades.

I heard them speak of my last words,
And I saw you, tears in your eyes.
Your comrades wept for me as well,
As I fulfilled my duty, without regret.

You left teaching to tend the garden,
Where grapefruit blossoms now bloom.
The cold winter frost covered the earth,
Echoing the sorrow of our parting...

THE DYING AFTERNOON
Poem: Nghĩa Trần

The afternoon clouds glow red against the distant sky
The sun’s fading light marks the birds' flight as faint
The trees stand motionless in the wind
March has come, but spring sleeps as the heart grows cold

Softly, lips whisper a quiet breath
Summer releases a sob in the wild grass hills
Sadness weaves its mournful tune in the sunset
The red sky bleeds across the heavens

What is left now, my dear?
The familiar path is tired, and the steps falter
Turning away, love is shed little by little
The soul drifts, lost in longing and distant affection

Many times I’ve waited and yearned
Watching the swallows’ tears fall in the night
Only the wind brushes past the doorstep
The cool mist heightens the weariness in my heart

Chopping sorrow, stirring melancholy
Sitting, watching shadows cast on the wall to find some joy
Gazing at the waning moon, silently mournful
Startled, I remember the evening has faded away...

.tphcm 15/3/2019

POISONED WINE

Poetry by: Nghĩa Trần

Em pours poetry like a thousand cups of poisoned wine
Once consumed, I become a foolish soul in sorrow
Love's pain tortures me, wanting to embrace and hold tight
The image of that person etched into my dreams

I despise those burning words
For they spread hatred within my heart
When in love, I fear unrequited feelings will drown me
Embracing the suffering, with invisible threads piercing my chest

Not daring to speak, my heart keeps silent resentment
Every night, I grow angry with the pale moonlight
Wanting to express everything, my feelings let free
Using clouds and wind as gifts to meet with you

But I feel ashamed, with my poor house and humble walls
My worn-out clothes, though washed, still don’t smell fresh
How can I be worthy of love's role
Feeling embarrassed by everything, always lacking

So I let go, better for you not to know
So that I can still yearn and weave my words
Hoping to catch a glimpse of fleeting fate
To warm my lonely heart, cold and withered...

THE POET'S FATE

Poetry by: Nghĩa Trần

Lost in a haze, I sink into every verse
Searching for each word, weary and spent
My heart longs to break free, to shout it all
But suddenly, it stops, as the moon whispers softly

I release my anger in silence, the mute love
Counting the ups and downs of life
Bound by poetry, I forever drift in dreams
Feelings scattered, my soul becomes hollow

How many times have I felt ashamed at sunset
Watching waves crash relentlessly onto the shore
The sea scolds, the seagulls drift aimlessly
The love song refuses to sing more than once

I admit I am a fool in love with folly
Sharpening my words when they need to wound
Harsh words for those corrupt in power
Exposing their deceit in the public eye

I’m consumed by the search for the perfect poem
Disappointment grows with each passing day
Sitting in sorrow, watching the twilight fade
For my passion must always strive for more...

Walking a path full of traps and obstacles
Burdened by worry when my talents are lacking
My feet covered in dust, with only nine fingers left
In this wandering life, I must choose my own way.

THE LEGEND OF TIGON FLOWER

Poetry by: Nghia Tran


The legend tells of a flower whose heart broke
Transformed into a tigon, trapped by love's debt
The fate of lovers caused her tears to flow
The beautiful girl was entranced by dance and song

She grew up in a family of wealth and gold
At twenty, her beauty shone bright and pure
She was cherished, always carefree and playful
Loved singing, drawing, and poetry in art

One evening, as the fading sun turned crimson
She followed a small bird flying far away
Lost in play, she forgot the way home
Sitting, she cried, waiting for someone to help

As night descended in the eerie forest
The call of insects mixed with the whispering wind
The crescent moon hung in the misty sky
The young lady waited for the dove to return ...

She wept profusely, crying uncontrollably
Suddenly, a stranger appeared, picking up a hairpin
He gazed at her and asked, 'Who do you belong to?'
With bright eyes and long hair, he seemed an artist

Shyly, she glanced at him for a moment
And confessed, 'I'm lost and can't find my way home
Can you help me? I’ll repay you richly
With the blessings of my parents.'

The stranger remained silent, his gaze fixed ahead
He lifted her gently, carrying her on his back
Through the wind and streams, he moved swiftly
His warmth and sweat dripped with each step

As they traveled, she learned of his humble life
Living deep in the forest with a simple hut
He worked as a woodcutter and had no lover
His afternoons were spent hunting, hence their meeting ...

At thirteen, she sold herself to work as a servant
For a wealthy family, to pay her father's debts
She earned money to treat her sick mother
Her silent love for him grew in admiration

She sang softly, her heart soaring high
He followed her lead, his voice blending with the forest
The fireflies danced, lighting up the tears in her eyes
Even the animals came to bless the young couple

But danger loomed from an unknown source
The wealthy man, her father, sent soldiers to take her back
They found her asleep on his back, unaware of the love shared
Thinking she was kidnapped, they sought to imprison him

She tried to plead, but they ignored her cries
They beat him savagely, her tears fell
Her eyes saw the bloodstains spreading across his body
And she fainted, overwhelmed by the injustice

One suffered from fever, the other from despair
Two hearts awakened to true love’s vow
They exchanged tokens, promising to stay true
To each other forever, no matter the distance

He gave her a flute, symbolizing his honor
And kept the hairpin from their first meeting
He was freed from captivity, but they parted in sorrow
They promised to reunite in the autumn of the next year

Her heart ached with longing, but she remained silent
Her parents were worried, seeking every healer
But she only dreamed of him, missing him deeply
Every night, tears fell from her eyes

The healing was slow, and still, she pined
The best doctors in the area were called upon
But nothing could heal her soul, so her father resorted to force
He posted notices everywhere, seeking a suitor

He knew the way through the mountains, the path of sorrow
He stopped by her home to play a haunting tune
Unexpectedly, she heard him leave his bed
To meet her love, recalling their shared memories

Under the bright moon, love overwhelmed them
The night embraced them as they watched the sunrise
The sound of the flute brought joy, their hearts light

But the rich man had plans to ruin him
He promised a marriage to the chief’s son, praising his skills
But secretly, he plotted the man’s demise
He sent his minions to kill him in the forest

Death was swift, but his spirit lingered
In dreams, he warned her of the evil that awaited
Waking in fear, she cried out in agony
Holding the flute, she searched for answers

The assassins tried to deceive her, telling her he was dead
Killed by a tiger in the forest, they lied
With a thunderous crash, she fell into despair
Her heart broken, unwilling to eat or drink

The rich man lied, trying to comfort her
But she would not listen, her heart full of grief
Her love had died, and she could not forgive
Him for breaking his promise and causing his death

With a white scarf, she mourned her lost love
She played the flute, tears clouding her sight
Her body withered, a faded flower
Anyone who saw her would weep in sorrow

The chief's son had prepared the dowry
To take her as his bride, but she resisted
Unable to accept, she wanted to escape
As the moonlight faded, she plotted her flight

Her weak body fought against the plans of the rich man
She had no choice but to comply, for fear of angering her parents
She pretended to agree, waiting for the right moment
Hoping for a chance to escape

The rich man, believing she had agreed, made plans for the wedding
He sent invitations, and the preparations began
Feasting, drinking, and celebration filled the air
But no one knew that she was planning to flee

She played the flute, calling him through the winds
As the wedding feast continued, they escaped unnoticed
The moonlight glimmered as they ran through the night
Leaving behind the pain and sorrow of their love

Through the mist, the slim figure wandered aimlessly
Seeking her lost love, not knowing where to go
She prayed to the heavens for guidance
As the fireflies led her to their secret meeting place

There, she found him once again, and together, they exchanged vows
Their love defied death, uniting them in the afterlife
And so, the Tigon flower bloomed, forever symbolizing their eternal love

THE SUMMER LOVE STORY
Poem: Nghĩa Trần

The summer sun breathes a warm breeze
Clearing the canal bed, collecting memories
The purple grass by the roadside discarded
As the sunset silently etches shadows on the walls

Watching the swallows, escaping the misty illusion
Grief fills the heart, freezing with emotion
Holding shattered dreams in solitude
Walking in secret paths, longing in silence

Leaving in haste, forgetting everything
The seasons of love now separated
Naive, waiting for my soul to turn to stone
Counting the pain, waiting for the passing day

The indigo flowers bloom on the hill of romance
Unrealized fate, empty words of poetry
The river runs dry, the boat rests, swaying
Stories of old remain unspoken until now.

. Tuy Phong 15/4/2019.

TUY PHONG CHRONICLES 1
Poem: Nghĩa Trần

The endless blue sea stretches along the length of the country
No place compares to the beauty of Tuy Phong
The crystal-clear waters on the sandy shores are simply breathtaking
The bending pine trees seem to beckon with charm

The resort, deeply rooted in local tradition, warmly invites you:
Come experience the beauty of nature
Find joy even in the midst of sorrow
Your soul will find peace in this enchanted place

Thach Co Pagoda sends incense drifting for miles
The Reclining Buddha peacefully sleeps with half-closed eyes
The Goddess of Mercy blesses with grace and kindness
Even the Mother Goddess' requests go unanswered

Countless secret caves deep within the earth
Perfect for adventurers seeking to explore the clouds
The Seven-Colored Stones bask in sunlight, each stone a work of art
Green moss covers Ba Khom, inviting visitors to discover

The ocean offers an abundance of fresh seafood
Crabs, shrimp, clams, and fish, all delicacies to savor
The anchovy fish sauce is tangy and crunchy
Once tasted, you’ll always crave more

At night, head to the beach to see boats gently rocking
Light a fire and camp with your friends
Gather around, sharing stories and laughter
Dance and sing, making the summer even more enjoyable.

TUY PHONG HARBOUR IN THE LATE AFTERNOON
Poem: Nghĩa Trần

The afternoon sun dries up the river's flow
Leaving the boat idle, unwilling to glide
The waves crash on the shore, calling out
The fish swim offshore, tempting those nearby

At sunset, I stroll alone at the harbour
The clouds turn pink, with streaks of the setting sun
The pine trees bow, greeting the winds near the dunes
The small market at the end of the village feels remote

A lullaby hums in the air, melancholic and lonely
The wife awaits her husband who braves the sea for their future
On rainy nights, she stays awake through the cold
Lighting a lantern, afraid the tide may mislead her

The people of the sea hope their homeland finds prosperity
With tourism flourishing, Tuy Phong will thrive
Funds will rise, reaching higher lands to help children

The sea is in debt to the land, and the land to the sea
The salty taste of life shared with half a poet’s soul
The lullaby of a mother calls, but when will it return?
Watching the waves roll on in the quiet afternoon.

.Tuy Phong, April 6, 2019.

TUY PHONG IN THE SEASON OF BURNING GRASS
Poem: Nghĩa Trần

In April, come visit Tuy Phong
To see the summer fields with golden burning grass
The giant wind turbines spin, so grand
Like the Wind God’s hand, beckoning you near

In April, come visit and explore
Climb the mountain slopes and watch the sky change
The white clouds turn golden, with shades of light and dark
Admire the sunset fading across the hills

In April, come to my homeland
The river, the lake, and the sea will stay in your memory
See the untouched landscape that still remains
It will captivate every traveler who steps foot

As the season changes, we welcome your visit
To enjoy a night under the howling wind
Light a fire, gather round, and tell old tales
Laugh together, as we make memories to cherish

Tuy Phong, the season of tourism, fulfills every dream
The cicadas’ song welcomes the summer ahead
Don’t miss the red phoenix flowers waiting to bloom
Enjoy the view at the edge of paradise.