1. Sample Essay 4
The poem 'Nắng đã hanh rồi' by Vũ Quần Phương not only paints a beautiful picture of the homeland's nature but also expresses the subtle longing of the speaker for a distant sister. Through the sensitive perception of the lyrical subject, the landscape of the homeland emerges as vibrant, with golden sunlight, the distant calls of cranes, white clouds, peaceful smoke, and the rustling of bamboo. A scene so simple yet incredibly peaceful and poetic.
Each line is like a masterful stroke, creating a vivid and soulful portrait of the countryside. Vũ Quần Phương must be someone deeply connected to nature and the homeland to capture these delicate feelings and infuse life into the scenes, making them shimmer with life.
The winter scene in front of the house is depicted as desolate, quiet. The poet uses the assonance 'ay' to widen the space in front of the house during winter. The mention of 'the sister far away' reflects the speaker's yearning for the distant woman.
The rhetorical question 'Do you wish...' reveals a longing to be near the woman who is far away. The evening sun often evokes a sense of longing because, in the evening, people reunite after a long day, and it’s also the time when a home feels empty without a loved one.
Through the verses, we notice the poet’s careful attention to rhyme schemes, establishing a steady rhythm throughout the poem. In the first stanza, the rhyme 'ay' is used (e.g., bay, gày, hay), while in the second, the rhyme 'anh' is introduced (e.g., tranh, lành, cành). Each rhyme is found in the first, second, and fourth lines of the stanzas, making the rhythm and syllables of the poem easily recognizable.
The poem is not just a beautiful depiction of the countryside, but also carries the emotions of the speaker ('Anh' sending his feelings to 'Em' far away as winter approaches: 'Where do I rest my longing?'). This rhetorical question carries the deep yearning and desire for reunion, intensifying the emotions within the poem. The blend of nature's love and romantic longing makes 'Nắng đã hanh rồi' a poem full of profound emotions and special nuances.

2. Sample Essay 5
'Nắng đã hanh rồi' vividly depicts the winter landscape, capturing the essence of nature in a truly realistic way. Through this portrayal, we also sense the poet's deep emotions about love and life. The poem describes a joyful winter afternoon, bright and warm, full of energy and vitality, reflecting the speaker’s joyful mood and his love for life, nature, and the people around him. It also reveals the speaker's longing for 'her'.
“The sunlight is golden, light as dust flying”
“The call of cranes echoes over the thin river”
“White clouds return, signaling winter’s arrival”
Winter sunlight is often golden, but here it’s delicately compared to dust floating in the chilly air. The poet’s keen ear captures the distant calls of the cranes, signaling the coming of winter. In the distance, the once-nourishing rivers now appear thin and frail. As the speaker gazes at the desolate scene, the winter sky becomes even more pronounced, filled with white clouds. This imagery expands the space, making the world feel vast and distant. In the silence, the speaker’s longing grows stronger, especially as he ponders whether 'she,' far from home, feels the same.
The winter landscape is further evoked with:
“Can you imagine those thatched roofs?”
“The warmth of the sun, with smoke curling gently in peace”
“The backyard, where the bamboo whispers with rustling leaves”
The poet evokes memories of the familiar thatched huts of the homeland, basking in the soft winter sunlight. The smoke that swirls gently around the home speaks of tranquility and warmth. The rustling leaves of the bamboo add life to the scene, creating a gentle hum in the air. Through these images, the speaker expresses his longing with the phrase: “I am not a tree, yet I still bear the weight of my longing.” Despite the natural beauty around him, he feels emotionally empty.
In the third stanza, the speaker invites 'her' to join him, adding a sense of closeness and yearning:
“Would you come with me to the mountain top?”
“Would you hear the soft whispers of the pine trees?”
“As the evening sun casts shadows on the pines, would you share in my longing?”
The question ‘Would you come with me to the mountain top?’ is not just an invitation; it’s a plea for closeness, a desire to be near the one who is far away. The peaceful, almost melancholic atmosphere of the evening reflects the speaker’s inner emotional landscape, where the sounds of nature—soft whispers of the pines—only intensify his yearning. The sun sets gently, its light casting shadows, while the speaker remains alone, consumed by his thoughts and longing.
As winter fades and spring approaches, the poem ends with a reflection on time and the hope for reunion:
“Spring is almost here, and soon it will pass”
“Another year will come, and another will go”
“Yet the sunlight remains, like threads of silk”
“Rising from the earth, stretching far and wide”
Through the repetition of “spring is coming,” the poet emphasizes the transition between seasons, hinting at the hope for reunion. Yet, time seems to drag on, with the sunlight continuing to fall gently as if caught in a timeless cycle. The poet's soft and reflective words beautifully convey the emotions of love and the connection between nature and human longing.

3. Sample Essay 1
With a pure and emotive poetic soul, the works of poet Vu Quan Phuong leave a deep impression on readers. Among them, the poem 'Nắng đã hanh rồi,' taken from the collection 'Hoa trong cây, Những điều cùng đến, Vết thời gian,' beautifully depicts the winter landscape with its distinctive content and artistic form.
The poem’s title evokes a transition in the weather: 'Nắng đã hanh rồi.' The earth and all of nature are transforming, entering a state where the sun is both warm and cool. In this unique weather, characteristic of the winter season in the Red River Delta, the speaker paints the scene:
'The sunlight has turned golden, light as dust flying'
'The sound of cranes echoes over the thin river'
'White clouds return, winter is near'
The sunlight, no longer the scorching rays of summer or the honeyed warmth of autumn, takes on a special golden hue in winter, resembling 'dust floating,' gently brightening the cold air. The poet keenly perceives nature through sound, hearing the distant cranes' calls, signaling the arrival of winter. In the distance, the once fertile rivers appear weakened and thin. As the speaker takes in the view, the sky darkens, becoming filled with white clouds. From here, space expands, growing tall and distant. Standing before this desolate, melancholic scene, the speaker is overwhelmed with a sense of longing, wondering if 'she,' far from home, can feel the same.
The winter scene is further evoked through:
'Can you imagine the thatched roofs?'
'The sun rises, smoke curls peacefully'
'In the backyard, bamboo leaves rustle'
The speaker evokes memories of the familiar thatched roofs of his homeland, basking in the winter sun. The smoke gently wraps around the house, evoking a sense of tranquility and warmth. The backyard comes to life with the soft rustling of bamboo leaves, filling the air with whispers. Through these images, the speaker conveys deep feelings for 'her,' saying 'I am not a tree, yet my heart is weighed down.' Surrounded by nature, the speaker feels emotionally empty. This brings him to the third stanza, where he extends an invitation:
'Would you come with me to the mountain top?'
'Can you hear the soft whispers of the pine trees?'
'As the evening sun casts shadows on the pines, would you share my longing?'
'Where can I hide from my yearning for you?'
The question 'Would you come with me to the mountain top?' is not only an invitation but also a plea to be near her. The quiet, contemplative evening scenery reflects the speaker’s deep thoughts. The gentle whispers of the pine trees echo through the forest, but the speaker wonders if 'she' can hear them. The familiar sounds of home heighten his sense of yearning. In this vast mountain landscape, the speaker feels isolated, as the evening sun casts its light, leaving him alone with his longing.
As winter fades and spring approaches, a new year brings fresh hopes:
'Spring is almost here, and it will soon pass'
'One year will come, another will go'
'Yet the sun still falls like threads of silk'
'Rising from the earth, stretching far and wide'
The repetition of 'spring is coming' emphasizes the approaching change of seasons, hinting at the hope of reunion. But time seems to pass slowly. Outside, the golden sun continues to fall gently, like threads of silk.
Through gentle and reflective language, poet Vu Quan Phuong reveals the deep emotions of love and the connection between the individual and nature. Literary devices such as comparisons ('sunlight like dust floating') and inversion ('In the backyard, bamboo leaves rustle') enhance the vivid imagery of the peaceful, serene winter landscape.
It is clear that the winter scene in 'Nắng đã hanh rồi' is depicted with great realism. From this, we also feel the poet’s sincere emotions, his love, and his deep connection with life and nature.

4. Sample Essay 2
In the rich tapestry of Vietnamese literature, many poets and writers explore the theme of nature. One such poet, Vu Quan Phuong, stands out for his pure, lyrical style. His poem 'Nắng đã hanh rồi,' from the collection 'Hoa trong cây, Những điều cùng đến, Vết thời gian,' beautifully paints the picture of a cold winter landscape.
From the opening lines, 'Nắng đã hanh rồi' signals a seasonal change, where the entire landscape transitions into the dry, crisp sunlight of winter, a feature uniquely found in Northern Vietnam. The poet skillfully depicts this moment of beauty:
'The sunlight has turned golden, as soft as flying dust'
'The sound of cranes echoes across the bare river'
'White clouds fill the sky as winter approaches.'
This stanza marks the clear shift from autumn to winter. The harsh, bright sunlight of summer and the buzzing of bees are gone, replaced by the quiet beauty of winter. The distant calls of cranes signal the arrival of the season. The river, once full, is now drying up, and in the distance, the poet sees the arrival of winter in the sky filled with white clouds. The bright, scorching summer sun fades, making way for the peaceful, tranquil winter.
With the winter sky darkening and covered with white clouds, the poet conveys a new, distinct color palette that only winter can bring. The subject, 'you,' is subtly referenced as the poet continues to evoke the natural world:
'Can you imagine the thatched rooftops?'
'The sun rises, and the smoke rises, bringing peaceful dreams'
'In the backyard, the bamboo leaves rustle.'
The character 'you' is painted with nostalgia and familiarity. Simple thatched roofs, bathed in the dry sunlight of winter, blend seamlessly with the season. The poet uses the image of smoke to evoke the warmth and peace of home, while the bamboo leaves create a lively, colorful sound that fills the air, capturing the attention of the speaker.
The poet’s feelings for 'you' are expressed clearly in the following stanza:
'Would you come with me to the mountain?'
'Can you hear the soft whispers of the pine trees?'
'As the evening sun casts long shadows on the pines, where can I hide my longing for you?'
In this stanza, the poet uses the imagery of 'I' and 'you' in parallel, symbolizing both the rising sun and the deep longing to be close to the one he loves. In the forest, the soft whispers of the pines drift in the breeze, and the poet wonders if 'you' can hear them, perhaps remembering him in this quiet, reflective moment. The vastness of nature makes the poet feel alone, with the evening sun casting shadows as his longing for 'you' grows stronger, yet he remains alone, waiting for his love. The poet uses familiar, comforting elements of nature to express deep emotions.
As winter fades and spring approaches, the poet beautifully captures the moment of transition:
'Spring is coming soon, and it will soon pass'
'Another year will come, another year will go'
'But why does the sunlight still fall like threads of silk?'
'Shaking as it falls from the sky into the distant streets.'
With the repetition of 'spring is coming,' the poet emphasizes the approaching change, a time that seems perfect for reunion. Yet time seems to pass too slowly. Outside, the sunlight continues to fall softly, as if suspended in time, mirroring the poet’s own reflective mood.
Through these tender lines, Vu Quan Phuong moves the hearts of readers. He masterfully captures the deep emotions of love, connection, and the harmony between humanity and nature. Using literary techniques such as vivid imagery and repetition, the poet weaves familiar, intimate elements ('white clouds,' 'dry sunlight') into a poetic, refined portrayal of the winter season. Through his work, we can feel the poet’s love for his homeland and his deep emotional connection to love and nature.

5. Sample Essay 3
The beauty of nature has always served as a wellspring of inspiration for authors throughout history. This theme continues to captivate both ancient and modern poets. In contemporary poetry, Vu Quan Phuong stands out for his evocative work, 'Nắng đã hanh rồi,' from his collection 'Hoa trong cây, Những điều cùng đến, Vết thời gian.' Through this poem, the reader is treated to a breathtaking portrayal of a cold and beautiful winter.
'Hanh' refers to a specific weather condition that marks the transition to winter—crisp, dry, and cold, a distinctive moment signaling the arrival of winter. This unique weather, experienced in Northern Vietnam, is easily recognizable, and people can sense it in the air. Through the imagery of these dry, sunlit days, the poet beautifully conveys not only the landscape but also the presence of a beloved figure within it.
'The sunlight has turned golden, like flying dust'
'The sound of cranes echoes across the barren river'
'Before the house, white clouds gather, signaling the harsh winter.'
Unlike the spring or summer sun, the winter sunlight here is depicted as a tangible presence. It is soft and pale, like dust gently floating in the air, evoking the lightness of snowflakes suspended in the cold, early winter sky. Beyond the visual, the poet also engages the reader’s sense of hearing. The call of cranes reverberates, acting like a bell tolling, while the low-hanging clouds add to the atmosphere. The winter sky, unlike the clear blue skies of summer, is overcast, filled with the foreboding chill of the oncoming cold. The line 'You, far from home, do you ever think of me?' adds an emotional depth, stirring the reader's heart amidst the melancholy of late autumn.
In the following verses, the poet continues to explore the emotional connection between 'I' and 'you,' painting more intimate scenes—the peaceful thatched huts, a backyard garden filled with bamboo and sugarcane, and the distant pine-covered mountains, all deeply connected to their shared memories.
'Will you come with me to the mountain?'
'Can you hear the soft whispers of the pine trees?'
'As the evening sun casts long shadows on the pine trees, where can I hide my longing for you?'
'Spring is almost here, but soon it will be gone'
'Another year will pass, just like the last'
'Yet, why does the sunlight still fall like silk threads?'
'Shaking as it falls from the sky into the distant streets.'
On a late autumn day, the landscape unexpectedly triggers a rush of memories of someone far away. Time seems to speed up, yet the distance between them feels impossible to bridge. The 'I' in the poem feels small and lonely, surrounded by the beautiful yet solitary winter scenery. How much longer must they wait to reunite?
The poet uses repetition to emphasize the relentless passage of time. Techniques like personification and vivid description bring the scene to life, helping the reader visualize the poet’s emotions. The gentle, heartfelt lines convey a deep yearning, demonstrating how love endures despite the trials of time and distance. This reinforces the idea that time and space cannot diminish love’s strength.
'Nắng đã hanh rồi' offers a stunning portrayal of the early winter landscape, highlighting not just the beauty of nature but also the profound love between two people, separated yet enduring.

