1. TRÀNG AN NGÀY MỚI
Poem by Nguyễn Thị Hồng Hạnh
Tràng An, once a desolate land
With forests and rocky mountains, dark and endless
The homes were scattered, the area vast
The people were few, even in a single village.
But Tràng An now turns a new page
The landscape becomes lively, vibrant, and bright.
A region of mountains and waters unfolds
With busy roads and boats floating peacefully by.
Tràng An is becoming more poetic every day
It’s a golden tourist destination that people dream of visiting.
A region with rich ecological beauty
That captures the hearts of travelers as they lose track of time.
Tràng An, the scenic wonder is here
Mountains and rivers blend with the sky and clouds in harmony
Its beauty conveys affection for all
Tràng An welcomes visitors from all corners of the world.
Tràng An, a land in Ninh Bình
The ancient capital, once filled with love and loyalty.
Come, my friends, join me here
As we admire this sacred land together.
2019

2. MY CHILDHOOD HOMELAND
Poem by Trần Thị Tĩnh
(A heartfelt gift to my hometown, Đa Hội)
If you come to Đa Hội, my childhood home,
Every step you take brings joy to your heart.
The charming river of Ngũ Huyện flows through,
Its gentle waters reflecting the drifting clouds.
The mighty Đồng Gate, with its ancient banyan tree,
Daily waves in the breeze, calling all who pass by.
The banyan's shade shelters the village girls
And provides comfort to the elderly beneath its branches.
The old cotton tree blooms once again in March,
With spring returning, new leaves and flowers appear.
On the road I walked to school,
My friends and I sang with joy as we went.
Where has the three-branched banyan tree gone?
Years of rain and sun have worn it down.
Though the tree is gone, the memories remain,
The youth of our past still lives on in our hearts.
Stars flew, lighting the night sky,
I watched, entranced by the scene before me.
As a child, I herded cows in the far fields,
Chasing butterflies and searching for insects.
Together with my friend named "Công Tử",
We laughed as the cow charged, leaving me in pain.
Đa Hội, my beloved homeland,
How much has changed since then.
Electricity, roads, schools, and stations have all prospered,
And high-rise buildings now stand in place of old homes.
To the travelers passing by, I invite you to visit,
My hometown still greets you with folk songs.
Though your feet may linger, remember this:
Don't leave... Đa Hội still calls to you!

3. FOLK SONGS OF THE HOMELAND
Poem by Nguyễn Ruyến
The water celery stretches toward the pond's edge,
Greeting the kohlrabi beds with a friendly nod.
The clouds whisper to one another, slowing their dance,
While the Sun slowly blinks its eyes, preparing to rise.
The rooster crows loudly, signaling the dawn,
Rousing the morning to bring gifts to the mist.
Sunlight sparkles, casting a pinkish glow,
Filtering through the garden’s gaps to greet the green cabbage leaves.
The little sparrow hides among the branches,
Flitting up and down, searching for food.
Golden butterflies flutter lazily by,
Chasing each other as they look for flowers.
The river flows gently and serenely,
Its reflection of the banyan tree and the village's pagoda.
The village weaves a peaceful scene,
As the melody of life drifts far away.
The road leading to paradise or
Is it the rural transformation celebrating blooming flowers?
Could it be the rice field that sways,
Or the transition of seasons that lingers...
Ninh Bình, December 25, 2019

4. PROUDLY VIETNAM
Poem by Đào Mạnh Thạnh
Do you see it? The Nation has transformed,
The land shaped like a dragon, glowing with light.
The bustling streets are rising in grandeur,
While electric lights illuminate the night until dawn.
Look over there! Those are the bridges,
Stretching over oceans, connecting far-off places.
The fields are lush, filled with flowers and fruits,
While the people work tirelessly to cultivate the land.
The roads extend far into the distance,
Linking the remote areas with the cities.
And there are many more extraordinary changes,
That reflect the people's wishes and joy.
The corrupt officials and pests with their tricks,
Have mostly disappeared, don't you think?
Now, the whole nation rejoices,
As our country rises to greater heights.
Our Nation, a source of pride,
Has elevated its sports to continental glory.
The party’s ideas and the people's hearts keep pushing forward,
Our Country stands powerful, Vietnam is strong.
Our Nation... with thousands of years of tradition,
After passing through darkness, it shines brightly.
The people together beat the drum and raise the flag,
Stepping through danger, our history echoes on.
Our Nation...
A glorious chapter in history...
Hải Phòng: December 22, 2019

5. I REALLY WANT YOU TO COME BACK
Poem: Nguyễn Đình Cường.
It’s been a long time since you visited our village!
Now that you're back, you might have taken the wrong turn
Our homeland has changed in clear ways
Brick homes have replaced the once humble thatched roofs.
At the village gate, a new banner now hangs
"New Rural Area"—a recent achievement for our commune
Arriving early, the joy felt like a triumphant victory
The road to each village now sees cars rolling by.
Stations, electricity, roads, and schools are the key milestones
The village's appearance has dramatically changed
The bond between the villagers has grown stronger
The gates to every home are brightly lit through the night.
When you return, you’ll bring even more affection
Sipping tea while we chat with joy in the air
As night falls, the sound of waves echoes from the shore
A delicious meal with fish, and roasted birds...
Some elders sit, their eyes half-closed
Reflecting on the past when life was full of hardships
The heavy load on their shoulders was never light
Carrying salt up the hills, swapping it for cassava and sweet potatoes...
Then they smile, imagining a brighter future
(One day, tourists from abroad will visit our village...!)
Believing our children will achieve something extraordinary
Stay hopeful – I truly want you to come back!
25/12/2019.

6. MY HOMETOWN BẠC LIÊU
Poem by Nguyên Đức
Bạc Liêu shines brightly, adorned with beauty,
A welcoming homeland, greeting with open arms,
Civilized and graceful, full of charm,
With loyalty and kindness that flow abundantly.
For all have joined hands as one,
Contributing to the growth of the great southern land.
Renewing itself with the rhythm of Hoài Lang,
In the land of the wealthy young man, determined and resolute.
Building new rural areas to completion,
While the urban landscape has captured the hearts of the people.
Comfortable living standards, with dignity,
Agriculture now mechanized, no longer relying on manual labor.
A beautiful bridge spans across the river,
Children now travel safely on their way to school.
Elegant brick homes stand in their splendor,
Replacing the simple three-room thatched houses.
My home has also been upgraded,
A lovely villa amidst the fragrant rice fields.
Your home is even more prosperous,
With a lively front facing the bustling market.
The city center is alive with energy,
Clean, green, and beautiful, bringing joy to the people.
Endless potential for growth and development,
Tourism flourishing, captivating the hearts of all visitors.
With many places for entertainment,
Sightseeing, delicious food, and a place to rest and relax.
The sons are elegant and faithful,
The daughters are charming, beautiful, and sweet.
As you travel down this road,
With each step, the memories tug at your heart.
Why does my mother’s face turn pink?
Could it be that she has already fallen for you?

7. RETURNING TO THE ANCIENT CAPITAL
Poem by Tony Bui
I return to visit the Ancient Capital
Hoa Lư* is filled with the soul of poetry.
Ninh Bình, renewed and wonderfully beautiful,
Majestic and splendid, capturing the heart of every traveler.
Tràng An* holds the memories of an era,
Tam Cốc* stirs emotions, recalling the past.
The bell's chime echoes through the air,
Bái Đính* stands strong, weathered by the winds and rains.
Bích Động* is serene, bathed in red,
The flags and walls still remain within us.
Vân Long's scenery is peaceful and beautiful,
Stirring fond memories of the home by the Vân River.
The Ancient Capital is a land of angels,
Hoa Lư of ancient Vietnam, renowned across the land.
King Đinh built a mighty kingdom,
With a thousand years of culture, recognized worldwide.
Together we build for the future,
May the Ancient Capital stay prosperous, proud, and enduring...
Warszawa
20/12/2019

8. SÓC SƠN, MOTHER'S HOMELAND!
Poem by Nguyễn Thị Khánh Hà
In the past, Sóc Sơn was a land of poor soil,
A place known for a long time.
But now my homeland has changed,
It has joined the global community, my friend!
The expressways now connect everywhere,
Railways, roads, and the skies are all interconnected.
Green crops cover the fields,
Đập Đồng Quan lies in the heart of the green mountains.
Ecotourism now surrounds the area,
Hương Tràm, Việt Phủ*... lush and scenic.
Now, there is the PINE HILL* complex,
The statue of Saint Gióng rises and soars into the sky.
May the Land of Vietnam remain peaceful,
The Non Pagoda, the Buddha statue on the high mountain.
A serene ecological region,
It is a lovely destination for relaxation and rest.
When you visit, you will feel at peace,
Sóc Sơn, Mother's homeland, full of love and affection...

9. MY HOMELAND
Poem by Trịnh Thanh Hằng
Come back and visit my homeland
Lộc Hà is abundant with bountiful harvests.
Look, the village girl is smiling,
Her gentle conical hat tilts as she covers her face.
The golden fields stretch to the dike,
Sweat trickles down, soaking through the clothes.
Her round shoulders in the early morning,
Carrying baskets, moving slowly with steady rhythm.
The fragrance of the golden season fills the air,
This season, three tons of rice, I wonder if she is happy.
The hard work, from dawn to dusk,
In the struggle, the spirit of enduring hardships.
Come back and see for yourself,
The hardships of the past have long been gone.
No more eating leftover rice and soup,
No more selling dogs like Sister Dậu for the tax money.
Selling one’s heart out for a little money,
Humble houses with thatched roofs, windy and cold.
In the morning, you run to get lunch,
At night, it's leftover porridge with pig food.
Today, the poverty of the past,
Is but a memory, a part of history.
High-rise buildings are everywhere,
Village roads are now smooth, with a happy and prosperous future.
In the morning and evening, big or small stories,
We gather for exercise, caring for our health.
We practice from dawn till daylight,
Playing badminton, dancing, and doing yoga together.
Come back to visit our homeland,
The daughters have fair, smooth skin and graceful figures.
They care for their children and love their husbands,
They ask, 'Will anyone return? I am waiting.'

10. COME BACK WITH ME
Poem by Phạm Thị Hồng Thu
Come, my dear, and return with me,
The village, rich in culture, far outshines the city.
The bond of the village and neighbors is strong,
In happiness and hardship, we are always together.
The countryside blossoms with vibrant colors,
Modern machinery is in high demand and flourishing.
The land is covered with a bountiful harvest,
The entire village competes in farming and animal husbandry.
The yields are of high quality, abundant each season,
Prices are stable, never falling behind others.
In the cold of winter and the summer heat,
The carts are full, offering fresh goods for every season.
The village lanes are neat and tidy,
The air is pure, the water clean, and the skin glowing.
The flowers bloom, their beauty and fragrance so smooth...
Come back to me, let's build our home together.
Mother's love, teacher's respect, and a gentle spirit,
We will create a beautiful, prosperous home in your village.
Your smile so bright, let's return soon...

11. OUR VILLAGE
Poem by Hồ Viết Bình
Our village has changed so much,
The thatched roofs, mud walls are now a thing of the past.
The houses are built with red tiles,
Still faintly carrying the scent of betel leaves and areca nuts.
Far off, the sound of oxen’s footsteps is heard,
In the evening, there’s no smoke swirling in the sky.
The rice fields have ripened to a golden hue,
And from the harvesting machine, we gaze at the floating clouds in a daze.
The village road is shaded by trees,
Flowers from the langsat and grapefruit trees scatter across the yard.
The songs of folk tunes urge the footsteps to slow,
And the classroom hums with the sound of youthful poems.
Our village now is as beautiful as a dream,
The rice fields no longer have their borders.
Wide as the horizon, the dove’s wings soar,
The young men and women are enriching the land of their homeland.
A once swampy and flooded region,
Now stands proudly, brimming with spring vitality.
Everyone wants to contribute their part,
To make our beloved homeland even more beautiful.
26/8/2018.

12. LONGING FOR THE OLD VILLAGE
Poem by Đình Khải
Come with me, let’s return to our homeland,
Where we grew up, where childhood memories were made.
Suddenly, a wave of nostalgia sweeps over,
For all those childhood memories I can no longer find.
The rows of areca palms are gone, the village fields are no more,
And the nights of picking fallen fruit have disappeared.
The bamboo groves where we used to nap in the summer are now bare,
The lush green leaves are no longer in sight.
The village is no longer home to thatched cottages,
Instead, towering buildings now rise like city streets.
The concrete roads now stretch through every alley,
And cars now drive right up to each doorstep.
The once vast rice fields are now much smaller,
And the swarms of storks flying overhead have vanished.
The houses are encroaching upon the farmland,
And the waterways we once strolled by have disappeared...
Though I know the villagers’ lives have greatly improved,
I can’t help but miss the days that have faded away.
Let’s put aside these old memories,
And celebrate the fact that our village is thriving with new vitality.

13. MY COUNTRY IS AMAZING
Poem by Thanh Tâm
My country is truly incredible, my friend!
Four thousand years of brilliant history,
We expelled foreign invaders, preserving our golden legacy,
Though we are still poor, our independence remains glorious.
Our people today stand tall and proud,
Just as the Hung Kings laid the foundations of the nation,
Mother Âu Cơ steps forward,
While Father Long Quân establishes the kingdom by the sea.
The Trường Sơn range, with its jagged rocks,
Cannot stop the march of the soldiers,
Despite the planes flying overhead with a deafening roar,
We vow to drive out foreign invaders with all our hearts.
You and I have faced many hardships,
Many struggles while standing at the teaching podium,
But foremost, we must be shining examples,
So our students can learn from us as they step into the world.
My country is truly incredible, my friend!
Many shining examples need to be passed on to the younger generation.
Our Vietnam has always been strong,
And we stand proud, our heads held high.
Our country is evolving, moving forward with the world,
And lifting its gaze to the global stage,
Each day, we discover new things,
We see that Vietnam is an incredibly beautiful country.
Mỹ Đức: 02/05/2016

14. VISITING MY HOMELAND...
Poem by Trần Lộc
Oh, my old village... where have you hidden?
The riverbank, the market, the swaying bridge,
The muddy footsteps along the alley,
The plowing traces left by the buffalo’s path.
Where have the thatched roofs gone?
The evening smoke curling around the village bamboo,
Who still remembers the golden moonlight?
The cooperative yard resounding with the joy of childhood...
Returning to my homeland feels like a dream,
Its transformation leaves me stunned, heart full of wonder.
The village paths and alleys are now adorned with blooming flowers,
The two banks proudly await the return of the wandering child.
The sky overhead filled with white storks flying by,
The “Mẫu lớn” fields are lush and beautifully green,
Concrete bridges now cross the canals,
The shimmering lights guide the way home.
The city now casts its shadow over the village,
Homes, vehicles, and shops bustle late into the night,
Where is the quiet village, the stillness we once knew?
Our ancestors toiled and saved for another day.
A breathtaking view all around,
Smiles full of warmth, enough to feel the comfort of abundance,
My homeland is changing hour by hour,
Looking at it fills my heart with a nostalgic thrill.
Hải Lộc. 13.12.2019

15. HẢI PHÒNG STEPS CONFIDENTLY FORWARD
Poem by Duy Hạnh Trần
I journey along the length of the country
And have arrived here at the Bạch Đằng Riverbank
Amazed by the early golden sunlight.
Hai Phong is like a young girl, full of vitality
Transforming with dreams for the future,
The whole city is as beautiful as a poem
Filled with the love of May and the red phoenix flowers blooming …
.
I recall the difficult days of the past
Hai Phong, along with the whole nation, made remarkable victories in Hải Tần Phòng Thủ.
The efforts to expand the land by reclaiming the sea
Landmarks that have now become historical sites:
The village of Vẻn, An Biên, Từ Lương Xâm, Chùa Hàng, Chùa Đỏ
Đền Bà Đế, Đền Phú Xá, Tháp Tường Long
The memorial site of the Mạc dynasty
Đền Trạng Trình, Phủ Thượng Đoạn, Đền Nghè, Chùa Vẽ
The Tràng Kênh archaeological site, over 4,000 years old …
.
A significant landmark, embodying the courage and determination of the Port City of my homeland
From the time of fierce wars to the present, changing within the economic market system.
The progress in all sectors makes the people’s hearts soar with joy
As the city transforms, reaching new heights.
Here, modern bridges stand as gates of welcome
On roads that connect the shores, filled with hopes passed down through generations,
Opening opportunities and expanding perspectives
Standing shoulder to shoulder with advanced and civilized cities.
.
The city stretches itself toward the vast sea
With bustling projects laying foundations for the future
Yet the city remains vibrant in Green – Clean – Beautiful colors
Calm, serene, and peaceful
A city for the future.
(13/5 - 13/12/2019)

16. NINH HẢI MY HOMELAND
Poem by Nguyễn Đình Hưng
We return to visit our homeland
Ninh Hải, oh, how much you have transformed
The Đình Các pier, once where we caught crabs and snails
Now hosts boats filled with tourists
Sailing into Tam Cốc for springtime.
The Móc Cave, once a place for lighting torches
To watch the bats clinging to the wondrous stalactites
Now shines as Tiên Cave with sparkling lights.
The Nham Valley, where you and I
Used to gather reeds, cut rushes
And fish for eels in the muddy swamp
Now stands as the Bird Park ecological tourist site.
Oh, how much my homeland has changed
How I wish I could still be young like before
So I could pick wild flowers
And you could place them in your hair
Floating on the boat
Into Nham Valley, watching the birds return to their nests
Chirping and playing, catching butterflies and flowers. /.

17. MY HOMELAND IN TRANSFORMATION
Poem by Trương Túy Anh
The beloved and beautiful city of Saigon
I left my homeland one summer afternoon
The phoenix trees along the streets shed their leaves, blooming with flowers
The sound of cicadas echoed, blending with a deep, melancholic mood
I returned as night fell
The city lights twinkling, weaving between a thousand stars
My heart raced with excitement, emotions flooding over me
Decades have passed... yet it feels so unfamiliar
I wandered, lost in the maze of new skyscrapers
Here stands Landmark* reaching high into the sky
Modern architecture admired by many
Ambitions soaring, urging me to make my vow
The spirit of Vietnam passed down through generations
There stands Bitexco**, a symbol of our national flower
Like a blooming lotus, its fragrance spreads far and wide
At the heart of the leading financial and commercial center
The city of Saigon is like a ship
Sailing over large waves into the vast ocean
The Thủ Thiêm tunnel stretches through the river
Connecting both shores, united as one
The once dark waters of the Nhiêu Lộc*** Canal now flow clear
With green parks, cool and refreshing
The evening sun sets, and people joyfully sing
Life is peaceful yet full of energy, revived and bustling once again
My homeland shines like the first light of dawn
Overflowing with energy, transforming and renewing
Like a golden dragon soaring high, advancing forward
I am proud as my country turns a new page
25/12/2019.

18. MY HOMELAND
Poem by Nguyễn Trường
My homeland, Hà Tĩnh - Hương Sơn
The fields, the hills, forever lush and green
In harvest season, the scent of plowed fields
The fragrance of new rice, intoxicating the rose garden.
My homeland is graced by two rivers
The Sâu River and the Phố River, flowing gently
The fertile soil nourishes both banks
Providing life to rice, corn, and vegetables.
The countryside is thriving, growing richer
Electricity, roads, schools, and healthcare are changing lives
Young and old, men and women everywhere
Competing in production, and in singing the praises of life.
Cars now reach every home
Agriculture and trade are booming, freely flowing
Houses rise high, even those on stilts
The irrigation systems work well, no longer flooded.
Green tea, cam bù, deer velvet
Peanuts, beans, sugarcane, betel leaves - all famous
Sold across provinces, cities
Exported worldwide, quick, safe, and reliable.
The people are prosperous, joyful, and content
Grateful to the Party, grateful to Uncle Ho, filled with happiness
If you visit Hương Sơn, my homeland
The spirit of kindness is thick, sweet, and shared among all.
Postscript: On the occasion of the 550th anniversary of Hương Sơn district's founding, I wrote this poem as a gift to the officials and people of my hometown.
Hà Nội, 30-8-2019

19. MY HOMELAND IN TRANSFORMATION
Poem by Nguyễn Hường
Transformation occurs every day
Electricity, roads, schools, and healthcare shine with an unfamiliar beauty
Joyfully welcoming the bright sunlight
The horizon expands, and the air is filled with threads of love
The fields, bathed in the sun and rain, thrive
Through struggles and hardships, the people sing with joy
In the vast and endless expanse
The countryside hums a melody of grace
Civilization and lifestyle spread wide
The nation grows strong and wealthy, full of deep affection
Rice, corn, potatoes, cassava shared abundantly
The simple villagers live with profound kindness
Simplicity and longevity guide their way of life
Happiness fills every home, smiles everywhere
Overflowing with vibrant happiness
The scent of jasmine and betel leaves fills the air
Unified, regardless of wealth or poverty
We build together, heads held high in success
12/12/2019

20. LIKE A DREAM!
Author: Dương Quốc Nam
My homeland, a peaceful place,
The banyan tree, the water's edge, the familiar village square.
It’s home to ponds of lotus flowers,
Green leaves, white petals, and golden stamens intertwine.
It’s a place of humble villages,
Where the people, simple and kind, are always ready to share.
It’s the place that I long for when far away,
The deep bond of love for the land and its people fills my heart.
My homeland has changed so much,
Its people are flourishing and celebrating their progress.
Now, it stands as a model village,
With streets and alleys blooming with flowers every day.
In the past, it was dark and difficult,
Now, the streets are lit, and life has transformed
The people are wealthy, and the homeland shines brightly,
Connections link everyone, near and far.
My homeland, ever fresh, now blossoms,
As vibrant, clean, and beautiful as a dream.
The transformation of the homeland continues by the hour,
Thanks to the Party, Uncle Ho, and the shores of civilization.

21. THE CITY TODAY
Poem by Phan Thu Hà
I walk on a new road
The sun warms my shoulders
The trees are lush, their leaves a vibrant green
The soft grass sparkles with morning dew
I walk on a new bridge
The river wind plays with my hair
The bridge connects two busy banks
Letting life flow smoothly
I walk into a new school
The laughter of children echoes all around
Red scarves and white shirts shine brightly
The school drum beats, filling the air with energy
I admire the new houses
Standing tall against the endless blue sky
Happiness fills the homes of young families
Joy sparkling in every eye
I meet new friends
Helping to build today’s city
Every drop of sweat falls
As hands join together to build
I walk through this new city
The joy inside me is overwhelming
Suddenly, I remember those who fell
So that we could have today
19/12/2019

22. THE PAST AND THE PRESENT OF MY VILLAGE
Poem by Phan Huy Hùng
I remember the days of school
In the steady rain
The village road slippery, I fell and bruised my bottom
My hand brushed against the thorny cactus
Skin torn and bruised
The hat bent out of shape, dreams faded...
Hunger led me to eat pineapple shoots by the dike
Thirst had me drinking water from the rice fields
And I heard the melody of life...
Now the village has been transformed with concrete
The tall buildings mirror the bright blue sky
The smooth roads allow the new cars to speed along
The beer shops and pho restaurants surround us all year round
Fewer arguments, more sweetness in the way we speak
Love, oh how sweet it sounds, my dear!
Freshwater crabs, a delightful treat enjoyed slowly
Eel porridge and snail soup reaching for the sky
I have a friend from the city visiting
He longs to hold onto my honest heart!

23. PHAN THIET, MY HOMELAND
Poem by Nguyễn Hồng Linh
When in Qui Nhơn, remember the poet Hàn
Visiting Phan Thiết, recall the lady Cầm of old
Wandering by the sea on a rainy day
The Dương Hill, lush and green, with swaying palm trees
That was the place of Ông Địa's stone
The waves crashing against the jagged rocks stir the soul
The Ông Hoàng tower still gazes longingly
The spirit of flowers touches the weathered stone with time
The moonlight spreads across the clouds
Poet Hàn calls, 'Would you buy the full moon?'
Beautiful Hằng Nga floats in the breeze
Gently swaying beneath the passionate moonlight
Tiên Stream, with white clouds soaring high
Heavenly beauty, bathed in shades of pink
The mysterious Cham Towers wait in silence
The old Cham Pa, with tears of remembrance for the beloved
The Red Hill shines with a bright smile
The golden sands forever hold the love of life here
The towering lighthouse amidst the thousand clouds
The Kê Gà Cape, where love is easily captured
Wandering through the seaside town at dawn
Stopping by Mũi Né, where memories are etched
The palm trees whisper softly
The stone beach at Cổ Thạch, a place I'll never forget
The Fishing Village, shining brightly
Filled with fish and squid, making life bloom
The Tà Mountain under the ivory moon
Bringing enlightenment and peace to all
N. H. L

