1. MY HOMELAND
Poetry by Nguyễn Khắc Mận
In my homeland, there's a river flowing,
Boats glide across the vast and tranquil waters,
The Lam River is filled with warmth and affection,
Anyone who passes by remembers its beauty for long.
The fields are vast, the river is deep,
I remember the days of cutting grass and crossing the bridge to visit you,
The ferries, crossing and recrossing, stood watching,
The day I brought you home with joy.
The shady trees surround us,
Birds come back to build their nests, singing joyfully to the sky,
The once humble village is now changed,
There’s a football field and places to fly kites.
The village has transformed so much,
Young men and women, full of life, come and go,
The people eagerly learn trades,
Building a peaceful and prosperous life for themselves.

2. STREET SINGING
Poetry by Nguyễn Khắc Mận
I hear the love song of Nghệ An
My heart fills with deep passion
Searching for the one who sings
The melody flows abundantly
A pair of blind eyes
With only a guitar in hand
A hat lying beside him
His voice echoes far
I listen to the love song
And feel a strange feeling of nostalgia
A blind man is singing
A song of life and love
With just a loudspeaker
The chorus spreads far
Dedicated to soldiers on distant islands
With a heartfelt love for the country.

3. A TEACHER'S REFLECTIONS
Poetry by Nguyễn Khắc Mận
Day and night, the teacher prepares lessons
Devoted to nurturing the strength of the people
The teacher works with true diligence
Year-round, offering themselves to the teaching profession.
Being a teacher is truly fulfilling
Countless children are passionate about their teacher's words
A teacher must have a sense of justice
Only then will students deeply care and cherish.
A teacher is truly heartfelt
Treating others with fairness and clarity
When the teacher loves their students, happiness follows
Students respect and hold them dear, near or far.
Being a teacher is like being a father
Beloved by the people, full of trust and love
Teaching is never too hard
Do not worry, for love will not falter.
The teacher imparts knowledge of civility
The teacher's heart is soaked with love and care
So that no matter where students go
They will always remember and cherish their teacher's love.

4. HOMESICK
Poetry by Nguyễn Khắc Mận
(When abroad)
Only a few months away from home
Yet the feeling of longing stirs deeply within
Missing home and my mother’s embrace
Thinking of my old hometown, my heart is full of love.
Lying awake at night, counting my thoughts
The sacred boundary, understanding who I am
Listening to tales from near and far
And feeling as though my father’s spirit is still with me.
Day after day, I miss my wife and children
Thinking of life’s lessons and stories
Raising children, teaching them to be good people
Remembering my old friends from my homeland.
Remembering the banana tree by the field
And the fragrant grapefruit tree blooming
Remembering the fish swimming in the pond
How could I ever forget the love of my mother?

5. LOVE IN TIMES OF WAR
Poetry by Nguyễn Khắc Mận
The night falls heavily
With memories of love from the past
The one who sees me off looks back
The golden twilight fades slowly.
A long sleepless night
Leaving one’s soul feeling empty
Forever remembering someone waiting
For the soul to remain in sweet dreams.
We each went our separate ways
You returned to your old home
And I sent all my love
Wrapped up in the silk frame that swayed.
You went to battle
Yet our love remained strong
I remember the kiss we shared
And the times when we argued.
Though our love was deep and true
What could we do in such a time?
We had to part ways
To serve our country’s duty.

6. SECRET THOUGHTS
Poetry by Nguyễn Khắc Mận
People wear elaborate makeup
Clothes in the latest fashion, their steps graceful
While I, with simple certainty
Believe that sincerity is the thread that ties us together.

7. HOMESICKNESS II
(Written while far from home)
The evening drifts, remnants of life
Are you feeling sorrow, my dear?
Now I stand alone in this foreign land
Loneliness deepens my sadness.
Twenty years ago
A kiss, proud and full of passion
Our love, etched in the depths of our souls
Like a thousand beams of light shining bright.

8. A SON OF DO LUONG
Poetry by Nguyễn Khắc Mận
Across the vastness of time, our hearts remain
A thousand years of songs in praise of home
The peaceful land where I was born
This is the place where I first learned, where my journey began.
Revisiting the history of Đô Lương
How my heart stirs, feeling love and longing
The beautiful young women, full of grace
They protect our homeland and build a legacy for the future.
The Truông Bồn of my mother’s land, glowing bright
It writes history, it sings songs of love
Remembering when I left school
Leaving my mother’s embrace to venture far away.
I left the place I loved so dear
And arrived in the borderlands of Cao Bằng
One morning, my dream came true
I was sent to study, just as I had wished.
My journey took me to Russia
Many days spent singing joyful songs
Now, I live in the heart of Tràng An
Our beloved capital, filled with endless joy.

9. A THREAD OF LOVE
Poetry by Nguyễn Khắc Mận
(During the early days of war evacuation)
At the mountain market, who are you waiting for?
As I cross the bridge, I see your slender figure
The wind blows, the clouds drift aimlessly
There are few buyers, the wind lazily swirls the fields.
You’ve just crossed mountains and rivers
Lost in thought, there’s no way back now
Meeting you, my heart is left bewildered
I couldn’t buy anything, only wandering, lost in thoughts.
The market opens at dawn
Perhaps you’ve stolen my heart without even knowing
The clouds tease the delicate wind
Jealousy stirs, so I must walk away.
Your hair still smells of the countryside
And my soul holds a promise, full of longing…

10. THE DRESS
Your áo dài
Embodies the spirit of our nation
Gracefully it hugs your form
Like lotus flowers, it carries a sweet fragrance.

11. REMEMBRANCE
Your hair carries the fragrance of pomelo blossoms
Your thoughtful gaze holds an alluring charm
The memory of our first kiss still lingers
As spring returns, it reminds me of our deep love.

12. HEARTFELT CONFESSIONS
Poem by Nguyễn Khắc Mận
It's been twenty years since I left school
Yet I still feel a wave of longing and nostalgia
Today, I return to visit the old school grounds
Meeting old friends who still stir my heart
Does the podium still remember?
How many years were spent nurturing dreams for the students?
The maple tree has grown, becoming tall
Its branches and leaves sway, inviting us.
Trần Hưng Đạo, a love for the homeland
At eighty years old, still cherishing love
Still hoping for dawn to dusk
Wishing for obedient students and skilled teachers with big dreams.
Here, I share this poem
And promise to return next year to visit again.

13. UNTITLED
Poem by Nguyễn Khắc Mận
Watching a leaf fall
In the midst of a fading winter
Feeling a deep sense of regret
For the distant days long past...

14. FAMILY
Poem by Nguyễn Khắc Mận
We are born with the need for a home
A warm family makes us truly rich
Within a home, love must run deep
Unity among siblings brings honor.
Live with sincerity and care
Work must be divided clearly
Speak and act with firm resolve
So that the family is blessed with peace and joy.
Don’t gossip, don’t interfere, don’t pry
Private family matters are not for discussion
Live with balance, with respect
And never do anything that causes hurt or breaks bonds.

15. HOMESICKNESS
Thơ Nguyễn Khắc Mận
Mùa đông đã đến bên nhà
Hiu hiu cành lá làm ta muốn về
Vọng hương hoa bưởi vườn quê
Để cho ta nhớ lời thề cố hương
Xa nhà, xa bạn, xa nương
Bao nhiêu năm tháng, vấn vương gia đình
Nay về thăm lại quê mình
Gặp đây cung kính, trăm tình yêu thương.

16. NẾU
Thơ Nguyễn Khắc Mận
Nếu đừng có ngày ấy
Gặp em nơi cuối đường
Thì giờ ta đâu phải
Gỡ tơ hồng đang vương…

17. FIGHTING THE PANDEMIC
Poem by Nguyễn Khắc Mận
Covid has reached our doorsteps
Let's not spread rumors or false tales
On the streets and in every home
Let’s live together, focus on life’s duties
Take care of your health, enjoy life
Wash your hands thoroughly, always wear a mask
The medical sector is ready to help
Do not panic, stay calm and composed
The government is thinking about the people
Don’t fear, just follow the isolation rules
If someone is sick, let them seek treatment
Don’t hesitate, we’ll face this challenge together
United, we’ll overcome it
Live joyfully, live healthily, with peace and safety.

18. PREPARING FOR THE NEW YEAR
Poem by Nguyễn Khắc Mận
The spring season is fresh and fragrant
Blossoms bloom, branches full of new buds
In the garden, birds sing joyfully
Parents prepare to welcome their children home
Whoever returns to their old home, come join us
At the start of spring, two people visit every household
On the streets, children run around
Eyes shining like the full moon, so beautiful
Spring arrives, excitement fills the air
As we enter the new year, everyone prospers
We buy new things, clean the house
Prepare everything to welcome spring
Flowers bloom in pure white
Songs of joy echo, bringing prosperity and wealth
No matter where life leads
Across vast seas and distant roads, the family returns home

19. THE PAST
Poem by Nguyễn Khắc Mận
I met you in the middle of winter
Feelings stirred, like a spark of fire
Today, spring knocks at the door
Why does my heart feel so heavy?

20. THE OATH
Poem by Nguyễn Khắc Mận
I vow to keep my promise
Don't worry, my love, let go of the pain
Looking at you, small and beautiful
My heart races, never far from you
I will ask for my parents' blessing
Prepare the betel nuts to build our home
As spring arrives, nature rejoices
I will bring the gifts to welcome you.

