1. Poem for a Mother Who Is No Longer With Us
POEM: DON’T SAY TOO MUCH
Author: Dương Tuấn
Everyone knows a mother's love is as vast as the ocean
Felt with the heart, not merely expressed in words
But one day, she breathes her last
And I weep... with so many things left unsaid.
Her soul is now one with the mist
She is no longer there when I return home
Who will cover me with a blanket at night?
Who will comfort me when I cry?
Life has been full of hardships and struggles
She hoped I would grow and become a good person
Always by my side, nurturing me with care
But now she lies cold in the earth.
Oh mother... my heart feels empty now
The duty of gratitude forever remains with me
Her love was as vast as the sky, the sea, and the mountains
Now I want to express it, but it’s too late.
If you still have a mother... tell her you love her!
Care for her, cherish her deeply
So that when you kneel by her lonely grave
You won’t regret the countless things you never said!


2. Beautiful Poem for Grandmother
POEM: GRANDMOTHER
Author: Phi Nga
I love you so much, Grandma!
I wish you good health and a happy, joyful life.
Like the rays of the sun,
Your light shines brightly on all of us.
Your life is like a mountain path,
Guiding us, the grandchildren, along the way.
Grandma is like a vast, endless hill,
And like a mighty tree, embracing all of us.
Grandma is like the wide ocean,
Soothing us with your boundless love.
The stones by the river will wear away,
But your love will forever remain with us.
At a hundred years, Grandma’s age is complete,
Our family united, bound by your care.
Grandchildren, great-grandchildren, all together,
Sharing our joys and sorrows with you.
Thank you, Grandma, for being in our lives,
For giving us our mothers, for bringing us joy.
Though you age and grow frail,
We pray for your health and happiness forevermore.


3. Beautiful Poem for Older Sister
POEM: MY SISTER
Author: Little Frog
Today, my sister looks more fragile than before,
For a long time, she struggled for me.
She set aside her dreams and aspirations,
Taking on the role of both Father and Mother each night.
She worked hard in the fields from dawn to dusk,
Her heart burdened with worries and cares.
She never shied away from hard work,
Just to ensure I had what I needed to be like everyone else.
Though her smile was faint,
She made sure I had a full plate of food.
She was both a mother and father to me,
Enduring hardships, bearing the storm for me.
At just twenty-nine, she never had time for herself,
Ignoring the buzzing of life around her.
She sacrificed her beauty and youth,
Forgetting her own dreams for the sake of the family.
Now, as she grows older, her success is abundant,
My sister is approaching fifty.
But the hardships never end,
Her back bent under the weight of life, eyes tired and worn.
Her love for me is immeasurable,
How can I ever repay her for all she’s done?
Even now, she still cares for her younger siblings,
Never having married for the sake of her family.


4. Lovely Poems to Break the Ice
POEM: FLIRTING
Author: Sở Lưu Hương
Hello, beautiful girl,
The moment I met you, I already felt drawn to you.
I’m enchanted by your smile,
It makes my heart flutter, leaving me in awe.
Your cheeks glow like rosy peaches,
Your figure is just so perfect, it’s hard to resist.
When I gaze into your sparkling eyes,
My soul seems to lose its way, with no return.
Everything about you is flawless,
I can only dream of you being with me.
Let’s build our future together,
Share our days and nights in each other’s company.
Let my heart’s love be proved by this poem,
I will always be there to fulfill your desires.
Oh, please say yes,
Let’s love each other, what could be better?
No more loneliness for us,
We will never be apart again.
Hand in hand, we’ll build a loving home,
Our dream family will be complete.


5. Poem for my wife: SWITCHING ROLES
SWITCHING ROLES
Poem by: Toán Nhâm Văn


6. Poem for the Teacher
POEM: A GIFT FOR THE TEACHER
Teacher, perhaps now you’ve forgotten me
So many students, how could you possibly remember them all?
We’ve parted ways, and I’ve wandered far
But I still remind myself: I’ll visit one day.
Perhaps the young leaves of the maple tree
From the day I left have turned dark brown
Who will pick up the fallen leaves for me?
Just as I once pressed leaves between pages of poetry?
I wish… the present was just a dream
So I could return to that place
Among friends, arms joined in warmth
Living joy and sorrow, laughter and tears, freely
I’ll always remember the first lesson
Your words: “Literature is the study of humanity”
And no one ever finishes the lesson on being human!
We’d sneak glances and giggle
Passing around the tamarind candy at the back of the class
And now, as life flows in its endless course
The sour-sweet taste of those days lingers on my lips
Whenever I’m sad, I miss you so much, Teacher!


7. Poem for Women Without March 8th
POEM: WOMEN WITHOUT MARCH 8TH
Women without a March 8th
They often lose track of time, not measuring it by days or months
They only look up at the sky to know when the night ends and morning begins
Day after day, they toil away in the fields.
They greet March 8th with hunched backs
And worn-out hats swaying in the wind
City streets shine in vibrant colors on this day
But in the fields, all they see is a dull sense of worry...!
They work tirelessly all their lives, never complaining
For them, a fragrant flower is the sound of their children’s laughter
It’s the meal they prepare for their husbands without a grimace
And the sacred gift is the joy of a bountiful harvest!
Women without March 8th
They are as many as the raindrops...!


8. Happy Women's Day!
POEM: HAPPY WOMEN'S DAY
By: Hoàng Minh Tuấn
Wishing health to all the mothers and wives,
Congratulations to the women who remain forever young and beautiful,
On this day, we celebrate the bonds of love,
From men to the women they cherish!
Our women, who often toil through hard days,
We rise together - lifting each other up,
Wishing for equality in life,
So everyone can be content and at peace!
We desire happiness and serenity,
We humbly accept whatever comes our way,
Let’s always keep each other’s hearts warm - forever loving,
In peaceful happiness, united as one family!
May every family be blessed with joy,
May every home be full of love,
Happy Women’s Day to all the women,
May happiness and warmth fill every home!
Hà Nội, March 7, 2019


9. MY SISTER
POEM: MY SISTER
By Truong Tuy Anh
My sister is as young as the full moon
Our parents passed away early, she suffered in silence
Taking care of her younger siblings, in constant chaos
She put her youthful love on hold for them.
She nurtured a bond of unity in our home
As we grew, joy filled the air
Through the brutal wars, her spirit was heavy
She said goodbye to us, leaving for the warfront.
Brave and strong, she fought the enemy
Bombs fell, shells exploded, as the village trembled
And one afternoon, when the air was tense
American forces raided, she worried for us.
Wounded, she suffered from illness and pain
But the enemy's bullets didn't stop her
Thinking quickly, she risked everything
She tricked the enemy, giving her life to save us.
Her blood painted the dawn red
My sister is gone, leaving beauty in life
Her youth shone brightly
Her fragrance lingers in the hearts of those who remember.
This poem was written on: 7/2/2020.


10. A MOTHER'S HEART
POEM: A MOTHER'S HEART
By Pham Tiu
Raising a child from a drop of blood
Opening her heart to place the child in a maze
A mother's love is immeasurable
Even silk sheets and velvet pillows can't compare.
As the child grows and flourishes
With the mother's blood flowing through their veins
For nine months, the mother’s form wanes
Counting the days and months, waiting for the birth.
The flower blooms, the stamen opens
The pain of giving birth is a joy like no other.
After childbirth, mother and child are whole
The baby's cry brings a smile to her face.
The most sacred happiness in life
To be a mother, my child — it’s truly wonderful.
Following you throughout my life
Mother forgets herself, singing lullabies with love.


11. A FEW WORDS
POEM: A FEW WORDS
By Tran Duy Hanh
In the past, our ancestors always advised
When your husband is upset... a wife should speak less
Darling, if you're angry, please share
I'll wait for you to speak, and then I'll follow your lead.
At the start, life may be poor
Measuring every little thing, adding to the sorrow
To bring peace, let’s soften our words
With grace, my love, let the flowers bloom on the doorstep.
We share the same roof
If we work hard and dedicate ourselves, we’ll prosper
No need to envy others
With one heart, let’s plan for the future and live in harmony.
"Together, we’ll drain the oceans"
Listen, my love... let’s keep our bond deep and lasting.


12. VISITING MOM
POEM: VISITING MOM
By Nguyễn Thị Khánh Hà
I return to visit my mother this evening
The breeze blows gently, the season's end draws near
The dry branches sway as the leaves flutter
Hastily, I walk down the familiar road from the past
My heart races, full of unease
As if something whispers, saying my mother misses me
Her years have worn her down
Her eyes dim and steps slow, yet she still worries for us
She still tells me one child is lazy
While another works tirelessly, yet can't find peace
I give her a scarf as a gift
Along with a bundle of cakes and fresh fruit from the garden
When she looks at me, her eyes smile
Her worries vanish, replaced by a glimmer of joy
In her arms, I feel warmth and love
My heart aches for her, oh how I love you, Mom.
6/2/2020.


13. A GIFT FOR YOU ON MARCH 8TH!
POEM: A GIFT FOR YOU ON MARCH 8TH
By Hoàng Minh Tuấn
I wonder what to give you, my dear, on this special day,
March 8th is always such a challenge to celebrate,
We've been married for decades now,
But what to give you, I just can't decide!
Should I give you a bouquet of vibrant roses,
With a card wishing you a joyful day, just for you,
Simple words that are soft and sweet,
And then sit down with you as you wash the dishes?
Or perhaps I should give something more practical,
With a bank transfer message sent your way,
So you can organize your own special day,
And I'll take care of all the extra costs!
"You're silly, haven't you known by now,
That love isn't just about money, it's about care,
Living for each other, sharing every little thing,
Love is immeasurable, how much is enough!"
A bouquet of flowers is enough to brighten the day,
To keep our love alive, always filled with longing,
To keep our hearts full, forever coming back,
It will be even better - as I cook for you today!"
Now hearing you, my worries disappear,
This year's flowers are so beautiful, just for you,
And a pink card I’ve written for you,
“A GIFT FOR YOU - TODAY I WILL DO IT ALL.”


14. MEMORIES OF MARCH
POEM: MEMORIES OF MARCH
By Miền Ký Ức
Night slowly returns with a veil of mist,
Sister stirs, listening to the soft beat of time.
March is immersed in the fragrance of golden mimosa,
Sister rests her head on five fingers filled with care.
The day you left was the day the winds began to shift.
A woman curls up in an empty house,
March becomes cold, with winds rushing through,
Sister grows colder with each passing moment.
The woman, with her battle scars,
Conceals life's struggles with a faint smile,
Hiding her life with clumsy, awkward words.
Her slender fingers grasping for something to hold on to.
March's sky seems never to shake off its sorrow,
Whispering endlessly... bitterly... aching,
Stabbing her heart with searing pain,
About the day someone turned away indifferently.
No one left to wait for her anymore,
No debts to keep her bound, March is now just a memory,
Sister is like a lost bird, adrift in an uncertain sky,
Singing a sorrowful tune in the vast, endless night.


15. THÁNG GIÊNG CÙNG MẸ...
BÀI THƠ: THÁNG GIÊNG CÙNG MẸ
Thơ: Trần Hải Lộc
Ra giêng mẹ lội xuống đồng
Vá nốt mảnh ruộng bên sông đang chờ
Trời xuân lất phất bụi mưa
Mướt màu mẹ khảm xanh bờ chân đê
"Thượng nguyên" tết đợi mẹ về
Đầu đội thúng lễ sum suê lên chùa
Thỉnh cầu trời thuận nắng mưa
Cỏ cây tươi tốt bội mùa an dân
Vai mòn dáng mẹ tảo tần
Còng lưng trĩu nặng tuổi xuân đời mình
Lặng thầm chịu đựng hi sinh
Mong chồng con được bình sinh giữa đời
Tháng giêng nhớ lắm mẹ ơi!
Lộc đang xanh biếc đâm chồi mơn man
Lặng kể một thời cơ hàn
Nghiêng vào lòng mẹ, xuân sang tràn trề.


16. A LIFETIME MOTHER LIVED FOR HER CHILDREN
POEM: A LIFETIME MOTHER LIVED FOR HER CHILDREN
Written during the Year of the Rat - Pham Hong Soi
Celebrating spring, celebrating my mother at ninety
Her descendants, the Pham family, present vibrant flowers
Exchanging smiles and glances
A heart full of joy, glowing with spring's spirit
Mother, your selfless devotion
Our family gathers together, spring's colors shining bright
Whatever you wish, whatever you long for
Your children and grandchildren will fulfill it, now and always
Throughout her life, mother lived for us
Her hair now gray, as the years have taken their toll
Her love for us, steadfast and true
She shares with all her children, blessings equally
A father's labor, a mother's love, deeply rooted
We, her descendants, cherish it in our hearts
As the Year of the Rat celebrates longevity
May mother be joyful, healthy, and feel the warmth of our love!


17. THE LIFE OF A MOTHER
POEM: THE LIFE OF A MOTHER
By: Nghia Tran
Mother carries the weight of the afternoon on her frail shoulders
The sun’s rays scorch, darkening her back
Time's marks are etched upon her face
She carries the burden of life, dusted with the grime of struggle
Her feet leave tracks on the grass, each step a path
Carving a way for her children to walk into the future
Her lullabies rock the cradle with love and longing
The white dew fades the color of her hair
The fire in the kitchen burns late into the night, keeping her awake
Endless nights spent crying, longing for the father
The thatched roof sheltering her in her old age
Her life marked by hardship, half-lived in toil
Her sweat is exchanged for every grain of rice
She runs across the fields, carries water for others
Collects the fallen fish by the evening nets
Spends long hours at the market, counting every penny earned
Mother has remained alone since father passed
Her smile faded, a shadow on her lips
Her children have grown and gone
Now, she carries an empty cradle, her heart heavy with sorrow...


18. POEMS ABOUT WOMEN
POEM: PRAISING VIETNAMESE WOMEN
Author: Hue Dam
The world needs the sun
Women play a crucial role
In the lives of men
In the past, thanks to my mother’s loving arms
She raised me, taught me, helped me succeed in life
As I grew, I built my own family
And it was the woman by my side who shared my life with love
She faced hardships with her husband
Women are selfless, asking for nothing in return
The bond of marriage remains strong
Through thick and thin, we stay together for life
Even as the world changes
Women will always stand by their husbands and children
They sacrifice for the family, for their children
Women endure hardships, their bodies growing frail
They nourish their children to full health
Hoping their children will grow strong and bright
They sacrifice their entire lives for their children’s future
Women are noble, everywhere... we salute them.


19. A Poem for Mother on March 8th
POEM: MOTHER’S DAY ON MARCH 8TH
By: Nguyễn Đình Huân
There’s a woman who doesn’t know March 8th
Doesn’t care for flowers or gifts
Her entire life, she has silently sacrificed
Enduring hardships, never complaining
All year round, she worries about life's struggles
She carries the weight of the world for her children to move forward
Ensuring they have enough food and drink
Never asking for anything, as long as they are at peace
Her entire life filled with bitter regrets and sorrow
Farming, toiling to raise her children
Face down in the fields, planting vegetables, raising pigs
From dawn to dusk, tirelessly laboring
In summer, sweat pours down in rivers
In winter, the cold winds bite, freezing her to the bone
Now, in old age, her hair is turning gray
Alone, she feels the loneliness in the quiet village
She refuses gifts, fearing they’ll be too costly for her children
She won’t accept flowers, as the garden still has pomelo blossoms
She needs nothing, for she is old now
Her only wish is for her children to return on cool autumn evenings.


20. A Poem for My Wife on March 8th
Poem "To Know or Not to Know"
By: Dr. Lê Thống Nhất
There might be someone beside you
A man who doesn’t know how to gift you cosmetics to make you smile
Doesn’t know how to speak flattering words that others are full of
Doesn’t know how to choose the expensive flowers that make others hesitate to buy
Doesn’t know how to post greeting cards for you on Facebook
Doesn’t know how to take you to a Korean or Chinese restaurant
Doesn’t know how to compliment you when you return from the hair salon
Doesn’t know the English songs that everyone else sings
Doesn’t know how to compare wines at a fancy party
And perhaps there are more things he doesn’t know, my dear!
***
The men you see in the world
May be different from the one
Who has stood by your side through the years
Who knows how to rise from nothing alongside you
Who wakes up early, stays up late when the child is sick, or you are in pain
Who does everything possible so dinner isn’t just vegetables
Who knows when the rice jar is almost empty, always ready to prepare
Who worries about money every Tết when there's still not enough for the house
Who advises the mother-in-law when she’s upset with you
Who remembers the book you always enjoy reading
Who cares for the child, ensuring there’s light for study
Who hides his own illness so you won’t worry, so you won’t cry
Who notices your bicycle when it’s wobbly or making noise
Who sheds tears on the happy days of your children...
To Know or Not to Know, there’s so much more to tell
***
There’s a man like that
Please don’t be sad, my dear!
What kind of man can you choose in this world?
There may be one thing that others don’t understand
To Know or Not to Know, what should a husband choose for his wife?
When around us, there are so many things to know...


