1. MEETING SAIGON AGAIN
Poem by: Nguyễn Thị Hồng Hạnh
We are here to support Saigon
Angels in white coats have arrived
Determined to defeat COVID
Together, we will overcome this fight.
Towards Saigon, we stand united
Sharing food and love, heart to heart
Even though the city is under lockdown
The day we conquer COVID is near.
Meeting Saigon again, we stand together
Let us continue spreading hope everywhere
Defeat COVID, bring peace to the people
And celebrate the victory with joyful songs.
Image: ST
7/2021

2. REMEMBERING
Poem by: Nga Vũ
Saigon remains a memory
As I return to gather the fragrance in the air
In a foreign land, there is both sun and rain
But only the thin, withered leaf brings longing.
Today in Saigon, there’s a breeze
Bringing a bit of autumn’s chill
Look, here comes July
Each day counting the moments, as we kiss again.
Saigon is always the same
Those who leave still remember it dearly
The path where lovers meet is always breezy
And the smoke-filled afternoon streets seem to be in a daze.
Tonight in Saigon, restless thoughts
The ancient moss is as green as the clouds
Though we were far apart long ago
Our love remains, like the sun loving the day.
Yes, Saigon remains the same!

3. SAIGON'S NIGHTS WITHOUT SLEEP
Poem by: Giọt Mưa Thu
Oh Saigon, why does my heart ache?
The whole country watches in silence
The yellow lights and sleepless nights
Follow the footsteps of the soldiers, fighting for the people.
Oh Saigon, in every lost gaze
In the midst of the epidemic, emotions rise with a lump in the throat
The rain pours as hands secretly wipe the tears
When will this pandemic end and bring peace?
In recent days, the cases keep rising
Exhausting the streams of rushing traffic
The soldiers’ steps lead everywhere
Compassion fills the long nights and weary days.
At the Rồng Wharf, the waves never calm
Watching the city struggling to fight the pandemic
Every alley feels the sadness of COVID
My heart aches seeing the children in quarantine.
Oh Saigon, be strong and believe
As history once shone so brightly
People in Hanoi look towards the South, crying
Hoping for a day when Saigon will find peace.
Hanoi, 18/7/2021

4. SAIGON THROUGH THE PANDEMIC
Poem by: Tống Thu Ngân
Saigon in the pandemic
Silent nights, one after another
I pray to the heavens and earth
For peace like the old days.
On Saigon's rainy nights
Many people struggle
For the people’s sake they sacrifice
These white-robed angels.
These people face the sun
And those who face the rain
Regardless of time, morning or night
Sharing whatever food they can.
Saigon, oh, there’s a storm
Let’s unite and stand together
Find every way possible
To help those in hardship.
Break the rice grain in two
Share half the bread
Sometimes even a second meal
Warms the heart.
We pass through the cold days
Remembering the warm sun
The road ahead is still long
Let’s tighten our embrace.
Tomorrow, Saigon will rise
Through the COVID season
Your laughter will echo
As you play and I strum the guitar.
Let’s sing together
The rose will bloom in red and blue
The streets will shine with smiles
And the children will shout with joy.
The sorrowful nights are over
Saigon will revive
Welcoming the bright morning sun
As you change into a new dress.
We will walk together
The Ao Dai flying in the wind
Saigon will be lively and happy
The spring will be simply wonderful…

5. TOWARDS SAIGON
Poem by: Hồng Thu
The people gather every coin
From their labor in the fields
They feel the pain for Saigon’s suffering
Sending everything back home, no hesitation.
Local vegetables and fruits
Make their way to the city
COVID can’t block the efforts
We patch wounds and support each other.
Oh Saigon, recover soon
Healthcare workers are in great numbers
The deep bond of our people
In the hardest times, we stay united.
The Saigon sun continues to shine
Rest for a moment, then get back to work
Saigon stirs with energy
The youth's spirit is rising again.
17/7/2021

6. DEAR SOUTHERN REGION!
Poem by: Hồ Hiền
Every day, I read the news
The pain strikes, my heart aching
The South is as beautiful as a poem
But suddenly, the plague arrived, leaving the homeland sorrowful.
The pandemic grows more severe
Spreading through streets, into villages
I grieve for the dreams you once had
Wishing for peace in the streets, the villages every day.
Enough of the pain, let it go
May the disease pass, and after it, we stand stronger
Through hardships, we’ll rise
The South will forever be strong and reach higher.
With all my love, I send my heart
The warmth of family in the evening, unchanging
Out here, millions of hearts
Unite, contributing strength and trust in our people.
The convoy of vehicles continues
Transporting doctors to the South
Bringing love, full of meaning
Food, drink, and fresh produce from home.
Our beloved Southern region
When the plague is gone, we will sing a victorious song!
DH.21.7.2021

7. UNITY IS STRENGTH
Poem by: Phạm Thu
The nation is in sorrow, and I cannot feel joy
The verses I write are filled with sorrow and sympathy
For the many who suffer from hardship
In peacetime, a devastating battle rages.
How painful it is to say 'homeland'
Embracing and sharing love forever
The hearts of people sent to distant places
Our people will always be united as one.
The southern armies march forward, fearless
On the frontlines, their courage shines
Covering hundreds of eggs, no distance between
Wherever there is need, there are warriors.
The convoys continue, one after another
Bringing hope to the beloved South
Rice bowls, root vegetables... people’s hearts united
Countless difficult lives await.
So many warm images
Together we overcome this great epidemic
Without distinctions of wealth, always encouraging
Incredibly beautiful, only in my Vietnam.
"No one will be left behind"
Trust in tomorrow, the sky will clear
The land will bloom, bringing joy to hearts
Unity turns strength into a dragon soaring.

8. GOING TO THE FRONT IN TIMES OF PEACE
Poem by: Nguyễn Toàn
In times of peace, there’s no war
But the pandemic strikes fiercely
Life is turned upside down
Healthcare is caught in a storm.
The homeland calls
The people are in need
Prompting us to go to the front
Into the heart of the epidemic with the people.
Mothers set off
Leaving their children at home
Children, remember to be independent
And mother will return soon.
Fathers march to the front
Mothers and children lean on each other
In the heart of the epidemic, he is
Always with his comrades.
Colleagues bid farewell
With firm steps, soft hearts
To complete their duties
All for the health of the people.
Young people full of enthusiasm
With a desire to contribute
Youth filled with hopes
They march to the front, eyes shining bright.
In peacetime, we go to the front
Choked with emotion
Our tears flow inward
They will fall when we return.
Saying goodbye, we exchange glances
Wishing the home front strength
Wishing for safe travels ahead.
For the people, we forget ourselves
For the longing for our homeland
All of us united
Reunited in victory.

9. SAIGON DOES NOT SLEEP
Poem by: Sơn Nữ
For the past few days, Saigon has not slept
So much sorrow under the cloud of the covid pandemic
The elderly endure in silence, children quietly fearing the disease
Only the sound of sighs, a few off-key words.
The lights are still bright and flickering
But there's silence under the bridge, a soft breeze blows
Bats collide with the chaotic night
A familiar alley, yet a lone figure walks...
The streets are tired, it's time for rest
Gò Vấp, Bình Tân, Hóc Môn, Phú Nhuận
Districts one and two... barriers set, roads blocked
Phổ Quang Temple silent, with no prayers heard.
Fifteen days... longing for a deep and peaceful sleep
May peace return, bringing back the clear sky
The sound of car horns, people meeting again
Sending my feelings back to Saigon, oh my city!
The streets are tired... it's time to rest.
14/7/2021

10. STAY STRONG
Poem by: Hồng Soi
Human connection in the age of Covid
Is full of the meaning of solidarity
North and South united in one direction
How wonderful life is.
Saigon is struggling
The virus spreads through the streets
These past days have been hard
Homes are isolated from each other.
Saigon, don't feel discouraged
Stay strong, my friend
Millions of hearts sharing
Together, we will overcome.
The entire country sings together
Towards the epicenter of the virus
Supporting each other, reaching the goal
Saigon is in our hearts.
Overflowing with happiness
From fish and vegetables
Simple hearts
Sent to the frontline.
20.7.2021

11. SAIGON WITH FAITH AND HOPE
Poem by: Nghi Lâm
Saigon, with faith and hope
Will soon halt the spread of the virus
When the community unites to lend a hand
Victory is sure to come swiftly.
With vaccines and new measures in place
Timely aid from every region
White Angels from all over
Step in to help curb the outbreak.
Solidarity and shared kindness abound
For our tradition of mutual support
Always sharing meals and clothes with care
When the country faces a crisis.
Through wars, fierce storms, and pandemics
We have always stood together in love
Helping each other overcome hardship
Uniting in times of trial.
With the belief Saigon already has
We will strive and achieve success
This fall, we will decisively eliminate
The SARS-CoV-2 virus completely.
Restoring peaceful lives
For the millions of residents of Saigon
And countless young couples
Enjoying happiness together.
Celebrating the August Revolution
With the red flags flying high!
Saigon, July 30, 2021

12. SAIGON FIGHTS THE PANDEMIC
Poem by: Trần Nhuận
Oh, Saigon! In these July evenings
The streets once crowded are now eerily quiet
The Lagerstroemia trees droop on the sidewalks
The sound of bustling people has faded away.
Oh, Saigon! In these days of the pandemic
Stay strong, don’t succumb to despair
Let’s unite and sing together
With shared strength, we’ll defeat the virus.
The doctors tirelessly work day and night
Tracking the virus near and far
The police go door to door
With countless others, facing difficulties together.
Oh, Saigon! In the nights when the winds turn
When the pandemic ends, the alleys will be filled with joy
If we remain determined, the virus will retreat
And together, we’ll celebrate victory across the nation!

13. THE SOUTH CALLS, WE ARE HERE
Poem by: Lê Hùng Lê Minh
During the War, you were the flame bearers
At Ap Bac, Dong Xoai, Nui Thanh, Quang Tri
Youths upon youths, rushing to the front lines
The call of the South ringing loudly in your hearts...
In times of peace, you kept advancing
With factories booming and fields fragrant with rice
You became the spirit of the workers
Filling lives with warmth, prosperity, and peace...
Today, the "Pandemic" disturbs us
The whole nation unites to fight the 'enemy'
Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Hai Duong all join in
Staying up all night to "eradicate the disease" and save lives...
The South calls, and we are here!
The beloved doctors in white coats
The hopeful students full of energy
With passion burning, filled with love...
For the South, we accept all sacrifices
Bringing our intellect and strength to "fight the enemy"
The South calls, and we continue to lend our support
The sound of the military march echoes with song...
The words of Uncle Ho still shine in our hearts
For the country, "for the beloved South"...
To bring back peace, warm smiles
A life filled with love and care for others.
The South calls, we are here!
The call of love... "The South is in our hearts"...
July 18, 2021

14. THANK YOU TO THE HEROES FIGHTING AGAINST COVID-19
Poem by Chu Long
Can't recall the days, nor the sleepless nights
In the quiet battlefield, no peace to be found
Life and death hanging by a thread
Always lurking, ready to take it all away.
But peace of mind comes with the healthcare team
The soldiers in green beside those in white
Doctors and policemen work quietly day and night
Shielding themselves from the sun, fire, and rain.
It's been months since I couldn't return home
To see the figure of my elderly mother by the door
The warmth of the red fire burning in the kitchen
The fragrance of rice, just as mom waits for dinner.
It's been months since you were separated from your little one
Every afternoon you stand there, lost, waiting for me
The longing fills your face, eyes gazing afar
Whispering my name in the silent air.
It's been months since I haven't visited our home
To feel the touch of my wife's hand
To feel the warmth of her presence, longing inside
The scent of tea, the gentle touch of her hand.
But tomorrow, COVID will be a thing of the past
The sun will rise, glowing in bright red
The soldiers will return to their little ones
Back to their loving mothers, their dear wives.

15. THE NIGHTS WITHOUT SLEEP AGAIN
Poem by Minh Xuyến
My heart aches for Saigon, now ten nights without sleep
And the Central Region also can't find rest!
Day and night, every second, I pray
That the storm will gradually subside in that place!
Little did I know... the pandemic continues to spread
The waves reach across the Western Provinces
The situation is getting worse... I hope for unity
To come together and fight this outbreak!
Oh, the South
Another sleepless night
Pain for the elderly, concern for the children's sleep
Love, let us wait and be faithful
To stay together, even in the face of danger!
In these difficult times, we must remember
To be diligent in our thoughts and actions
Never forget your mask
Following the 5K guidelines is a clear task!
A small mistake can become a great storm
Let's remind each other to stay compliant
If we want peace and to end this pandemic fast
Then each person must become a soldier.
Still worrying about the South
No time to rest
Supporting the frontline where everything is needed
All of the nation, ninety-six million people
With ninety-six million hearts, united in rhythm!
In these dangerous moments, we still have faith
When we unite, we overcome peril
My dear,
I need say no more
You understand
Is there peace
Or not?
July 18, 2021

16. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?
Poem by Cuối
The storm brings too much bitterness
The land and waters tremble with anxiety and suffering
We pray, hoping this pandemic will end soon
The North, Central, and South will shine with happiness once more.
Days pass, and my heart is filled with longing
For Saigon and all the suffering in the country
Vietnam has always faced struggles
The lives of the people are full of hardship and pain.
Why has this great disaster come to us?
Where tears once fell, will peace return?
On this sad afternoon, I carry my worries
The struggles with money, rice, and basic survival.
Each life without shelter
Fighting for survival in difficult times
Now, our homeland needs support
From the government and all authorities.
Do not differentiate between rich and poor, high or low
For the seed grows strong in fertile soil
Let's share happiness to every corner
So that human kindness will always thrive.
Oh, youth, full of energy and passion
Let’s join hands to solve all the problems
I believe that tomorrow, spring will return
With the sun shining brighter, and burning desires alive.
Written hastily, but with sincere thoughts
The city locked down, feeling the pain
Dear sister, dear brother, how are you over there?
We are all in confusion, hearts in turmoil.
In the stillness, there’s so much pain
Our tears have soaked this poem
Saigon cries, its dreams shattered
But we will rise, like dust in the wind!
July 16, 2021, Dak Lak

17. SAIGON, HOW I LONG FOR YOU
Poem by Nga Lê
Oh Saigon! How deeply I miss you
Life is joyful, but suddenly, silence falls
The streets are bustling daily, yet suddenly quiet
The path you once walked now stands separated.
The city feels sorrowful as it battles the pandemic
Countless people far from home
Struggling for a living, unable to return due to COVID
Now they are wanderers in foreign lands.
The whole nation unites to fight the disease
Young volunteers step forward to serve
Saying goodbye to family and friends
Healthcare workers from all regions volunteer to serve.
For four thousand years, the people of Vietnam
Have always remembered: when one falls, another lifts
Such heartfelt gestures are truly touching
Even a humble meal is so greatly appreciated.
Saigon, stand firm and strong
Brothers and sisters from near and far will help
Even in the face of danger, crossing mountains or rivers
Trust in the strength and wisdom of our hands and minds.
Saigon, you are never alone
For we are all born of the same mother
United, we will push the disease away
And spring will once again return to our beloved city named after Uncle Ho.
July 15, 2021.

18. THƯƠNG QUÁ SÀI GÒN
Poem by Nguyên Đức
“Oh Saigon, silent on the empty streets,
Countless moments of sorrow, footsteps missing.”*
Saigon, my sick city, do you feel the sorrow?
The elder brother is burdened with the weight of the nation.
The bulletin boards, morning, noon, and night, in pain,
Breaking hearts, a soul torn in endless grief!
Night after night, tears of sadness fall,
Prayers to the Bodhisattva for mercy and salvation.
Chase away the evil to free the suffering world,
For Saigon is a place of refuge.
Healthcare, culture, education, and science,
All ignite the source of knowledge.
So much heartache, my heart races,
As places face the dire quarantine.
What can we do to send help,
When the elder brother has everything to offer?
Saigon, please let the heavens hear your pain,
Shower mercy so that the moonlight may guide.
May all people live peacefully, full of happiness,
Healthy to make Vietnam proud.
The pearl of the East remains eternal,
The people of Saigon, millions of shining stars.
Saigon, let’s keep faith strong,
And together we’ll defeat Covid for a peaceful life.
We greet each other with a glorious new day,
Along with the joyful anthem of forever.
July 13, 2021.

19. SÀI GÒN VÀO THU
Poetry by Đinh Thị Hiển
Today, Saigon feels so sorrowful!
Homes are closed, afraid the disease will spread
Strings across the gates, roads blocked
It's hard to leave... hard to return
Autumn brings a refreshing breeze
Like fish in water, birds in the sky
The world is parched, in a state of drought
The new COVID strain causes turmoil day and night
Concerns about the pandemic... grow more
Oh, remember! Don't let your guard down
Year K is always with us
Comply with the rules... stay home... stay safe
Autumn brings "pearls" to the earth
Saigon becomes cooler... and a little happier
Autumn brings beautiful sunshine and drifting clouds
Through the window... my soul floats... loving autumn
SG, July 14, 2021

20. THE HEART OF SAIGON
Poetry by Huong Mrs. Le
One afternoon..
My heart aches
Inside the chest of the city...
The pain spreads from narrow alleys
To wide, empty streets
The city is silent, the yellow streetlights flicker
Street lamps hang low, the roads seem crowded
Only a quick shadow passing by
The green light is on, yet there's no one around
Saigon is hurting from these separations
Mother away from child, going to the frontlines against the pandemic
Father also leaves for patient care
Shaving his head, it's not something he wanted, my child!
The number of cases is rising, doctors work overnight
Fighting against death, striving for more lives
The heart of Saigon, though in pain, is warm
Because the entire nation is reaching out, supporting...
Volunteer groups set out from all corners of the country
Hanoi, Thai Nguyen, Thai Binh, Thanh Hoa
Nam Dinh, Hai Duong, Bac Giang, and Hue
It's impossible to list all, but the spirit of solidarity is clear
True solidarity, living with care and responsibility
"When one horse suffers, the whole herd suffers"
In times of danger, Saigon stands strong
With millions of hearts beating together...
Saigon is grateful for every bundle of vegetables
Every kilo of rice, every gift sent from afar
Mothers staying up all night, packing in silence
As if packing up all the lingering pain...
Saigon is grateful for the love of the whole country
Though the heart is in pain amidst the pandemic
We still feel millions of hands stretching out warmly
No one is forgotten in this endless suffering
The heart of Saigon will soon heal!
Saigon, July 20, 2021

21. DEAR SAIGON, HOW MUCH WE LOVE YOU
Poetry by Lan Vương
Saigon has stayed awake for countless nights
Heartbroken by the suffering caused by the pandemic
The once glamorous city now faces hardship
Every corner is wrapped in exhaustion and despair
Saigon's illness pains the entire nation
F1, F0 wandering the streets
The raincoat covers her, my heart aches for her
Still, she fights for the people, resolute in her battle
We deeply love these volunteer journeys
All for the beloved South
In every heart, there beats the spirit of the Dragon and the Lac
With a shared heartbeat of love and red blood
In the storm and danger, the bond is clear
People unite, stronger than ever
Sharing vegetables, rice, and love
We feel the warmth of humanity in these trying times
Saigon, keep pushing forward
In just a little while, the disease will fade
Hearts filled with love will beat in harmony again
Singing the triumphant song of victory.

22. PLEASE DON'T BE SAD, SOUTHERN REGION
Poetry by Hoàng Minh Tuấn
Looking at the list, my heart aches, my gut twists,
The South has become a disaster zone now…!
At first, just 3 provinces were affected,
Bình Dương, Đồng Nai, and Saigon!
Then the disease spread unexpectedly,
19 provinces were attacked by the virus!
Kiên Giang, Đồng Tháp, An Giang,
Long An, Bình Phước, Sóc Trăng were also hit!
Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu, Cần Thơ, and Hậu Giang,
Bạc Liêu, Tiền Giang, and Cà Mau,
Vĩnh Long stood in shock, as Tây Ninh was troubled!
Bến Tre and Trà Vinh couldn’t escape,
That terrible virus—how cruel it is!
19 provinces must unite,
Lockdown to stop the spread from worsening!
The virus has so many variants,
Even Delta must be defeated immediately!
The entire nation stands beside us,
Ready to support, day or night!
Let’s stay positive, working together voluntarily,
In two weeks, everything will calm down!
Please don’t be sad, Southern Region,
The pandemic will end and peace will return soon!
Hà Nội, July 18, 2021

