Top 6 Bài văn cảm nhận tác phẩm Quê hương trong Ngữ văn 7 - SGK Kết nối tri thức hay nhất

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Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 1/5/2026

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1. Bài tham khảo số 4

2. Sample Essay 5

Reference Paper No. 6

Reference Paper No. 1

5. Reference Poem 2

6. Reference Poem 3

1. Bài tham khảo số 4

Tế Hanh is considered one of the leading poets of the New Poetry movement, contributing a fresh and unique fragrance to Vietnamese poetry. While Huy Cận's works are often filled with the pain of life and despair, and Chế Lan Viên's poetry reflects the anguish of a soul awakening amidst deep contemplation and sorrow about life, Tế Hanh's poetry offers a distinctive beauty—youthful, pure, and fresh. This is particularly evident in his poem 'Homeland,' written in 1938 when he was just 17 years old.

The words 'homeland' evoke a sense of familiarity, simplicity, and closeness to every Vietnamese person. It is the place where we were born and took our first breath, the place we long to return to when we are far away, seeking the embrace of our family for love and comfort. Therefore, in each person's mind, the homeland is something intimately familiar, tied to childhood memories like the well, the banyan tree, the vegetable garden, the banana grove, and the vast rice fields. For Tế Hanh, however, his homeland is a coastal fishing village situated on an island surrounded by rivers:

My village lives by fishing

Surrounded by water, half a day's journey from the sea.

'My village'—these words are spoken naturally, as the poet introduces his simple, humble village, one where the people live off fishing. Their lives are intertwined with the sounds of waves and winds, the salty taste of the sea. The poet not only introduces his village but also vividly describes its landscape, capturing the details of daily life:

When the sky is clear, the breeze soft, the morning rosy

The young men row their boats out to fish.

Here, a picture of rural life begins to unfold, with a vast and open space under a wide, clear sky bathed in sunlight, accompanied by a gentle breeze tinged with the pink hues of dawn. A new day begins, full of energy and enthusiasm as the villagers set out to sea.

The boat is swift, like a fine steed

Paddling powerfully, crossing the vast river.

The poet creates a vivid image of the laborious efforts of the villagers. Through unique and striking imagery, such as comparing the boat to a 'fine steed,' and using dynamic verbs like 'swift, paddling, crossing,' he paints a powerful and majestic picture of the fishermen's determination. It shows the strong, decisive spirit of the villagers as their boats race through the waves, battling the sea to venture further into the open water.

The sail is stretched wide like the soul of the village

Its white body gathers the wind.

With youthful and innocent affection, the poet captures the enduring beauty and vitality of his homeland. The sail, a humble object, is now likened to the 'soul of the village.' This metaphor adds a touch of imaginative fantasy to the poem.

From an inanimate object, the sail is personified as a sacred, integral part of the village's life. It becomes something indispensable to the fishermen, a vital companion that cannot be separated from their existence. Such sensitivity reveals the poet's deep bond and love for the village, for its people, and for the sea.

If the poet describes the fishing boats heading out to sea with enthusiasm, he also depicts the boats returning to shore with a tone full of joy and optimism:

The next day, the bustling quay

Everyone in the village eagerly awaits the return of the boats.

Thanks to the heavens, the sea is calm, the boats are full

With fresh, shiny fish.

This verse describes the return of the fishing boats after a long day of labor on the sea. The use of words like 'bustling' and 'eager' conveys the lively, hurried atmosphere as the villagers joyfully welcome the boats home, laden with fresh, silver fish that gleam under the light.

Living by the sea, the villagers depend heavily on nature. They labor tirelessly in hopes of a better life. Thus, the moment they see their loved ones safely return from a long journey is the greatest joy of all. They silently thank the heavens for calm waters that ensured their safe return.

The fishermen's skin is tanned from the sun

Their bodies brimming with the distant scent of the sea.

The boat rests at the quay, tired after its journey

The salt seeps slowly into the wood.

Amid the busy, energetic scene of the villagers harvesting fish, the poet highlights the strong, robust figures of the fishermen—tanned, muscular, and weathered from a life of battling the vast ocean. Their bodies are filled with the rhythm of the waves and the salty flavor of the sea.

The boat is personified, as if it, too, is weary after a long day of work and is now resting. It is no longer just a tool of transport but a close companion of the fishermen, deeply connected to their daily lives. Both the boat and the fishermen share the essence of the sea, the salty taste embedded in their very being. The poet paints a powerful, vivid portrait of this coastal life.

Now far away, my heart always remembers

The blue waters, the silver fish, the white sail

Faintly, I see the boat cutting through the waves, heading to the sea

I miss the salty scent so much.

Behind this picture of village life and the daily activities of the fishing people is the poet's longing for his homeland. He misses the familiar sights and sounds of his home, the blue waters, the silver fish, the white sail, and, above all, the unmistakable salty scent of the sea—so unique to the place he loves.

This can be seen as a vivid portrait of the poet's beloved homeland. With a vibrant tone, detailed imagery, and the harmonious use of literary devices like metaphor, simile, and personification, Tế Hanh creates a fresh, lively image of his homeland. Only a poet deeply connected to the life of the fishermen, to the struggles of the people, could capture such a beautiful and moving picture.

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2. Sample Essay 5

The poet Thanh Thao shared his thoughts on poet Tế Hanh, stating: "From the very beginning of his appearance in the New Poetry movement, Tế Hanh's poetry was a phenomenon for its simplicity, sincerity, and its purity, as clear and gentle as a river." If we were to discuss his position within the New Poetry, we could describe it as 'calm.' His soul doesn’t rise dramatically like Xuân Diệu's passion, nor is it as bizarre or crazy as Hàn Mặc Tử’s, nor does it leave a deep impression with the 'rustic' tone of Nguyễn Bính, nor does it carry the eternal sadness of Huy Cận. Yet, despite everything, Tế Hanh has never been forgotten—he is a poet with a candid voice, a steady creative output, and each of his poetry collections is marked by memorable poems that leave readers with fresh, delicate feelings of a youthful poet’s soul. It could be said that his hometown is the greatest inspiration in his poetic life, and his poem "Quê hương" (Homeland) is a brilliant and promising beginning. Although "Quê hương" was written in the early years of Tế Hanh’s poetic career, during the New Poetry movement, the poem itself evokes fresh emotions, while also showcasing the poet’s unique talent and connection to his homeland—an idea familiar to many poets, yet not all are able to express it so softly and profoundly. When reflecting on Tế Hanh and his poem "Quê hương", critic Hoài Thanh wrote: "Tế Hanh is a very sensitive poet, and he has captured very soulful details about the life and activities of his homeland. One can almost sense what is invisible, like the spirit of the village, carried by the sail... Tế Hanh's poetry takes us into a world so close that we usually only glimpse it faintly." This insight is due to his deeply emotional soul, filled with love for life, his homeland, and his country. The poem begins with two lines introducing the village: "My village is a fishing village / Surrounded by water, half a day's journey from the sea", with a tone that is gentle and sincere, almost like a heartfelt confession. But this is not just an introduction; it paints a picture of the village—a fishing village surrounded by water, resembling an island on a gently swaying river. The lines also highlight geographical features—the distance from the village to the sea with the phrase 'half a day's journey from the sea'—and they depict a poor village that makes its living through the tough fishing profession. All of this is conveyed with simple, rustic words and a rhythm that mirrors the spirit of the coastal region, conveying a deep love for the homeland, viewed through eyes filled with affection. "When the sky is clear, the wind is gentle, and the morning is pink, The young men row their boats out to fish: The boat is light, as energetic as a stallion Cutting through the water with strong, swift strokes. The sail is raised, as if it were the village's soul Stretching wide, gathering the wind..." For someone born by the sea, the scene of fishermen setting out on their boats is likely etched in their memory. Therefore, Tế Hanh captures this moment with vivid, pure emotions and poetic imagery. It’s a beautiful morning with a clear sky, a gentle breeze, and the soft pink light of the rising sun across the fishing village. Against this idyllic backdrop, young men full of vigor start their work with lively enthusiasm. "The young men row their boats out to fish." Through the poet's eyes, the scene of labor is full of energy, with the boat gliding smoothly out to sea, seemingly unfazed by any obstacles, strong and vital, like a stallion that has survived countless battles. The boat in Tế Hanh's poem holds a dominant role: "Cutting through the water with strong, swift strokes", ready to face any challenges, skilled and courageous in the face of the ocean. In the vastness of the sea, the small boat stands out with its strength and vigor, as if the sea itself is the green backdrop, enhancing the majestic beauty of the fishing boat. But Tế Hanh doesn't just stop at describing the lively scene of setting out to sea. He also delicately and skillfully compares the sail to 'the soul of the village.' This is an artistic breakthrough in his style, using a tangible object to compare with something abstract—something seemingly impossible, but Tế Hanh does it with finesse. He sketches the image of the village's soul through the sail in a very soulful, sensitive way. The white sail carries with it the essence and emotions of the village, always closely following the fishermen in their labor. In this image, we see a blend of emotions: the hope and longing of those left behind, and the deep homesickness and unwavering love for their homeland from those working out at sea. This unique comparison brings a sense of romance and loftiness to Tế Hanh's verses. The love for the homeland emerges gently, yet profoundly, and deeply connected. In the following line, "Stretching wide, gathering the wind", we see the poet using personification with two evocative words, 'stretching' and 'gathering.' It seems as though the sail, carrying the village's soul, possesses a form of consciousness, striving to 'stretch' its body wide to 'gather' the wind, propelling the boat further and faster out to sea. Thus, in Tế Hanh’s eyes, the sail becomes a part of the labor, contributing to the fishermen's work at sea. From this, we can observe the theme of unity, mutual support, and deep connection among the fishing village's people, where not just humans but also objects are connected, working together harmoniously to achieve great results. Just as the fishermen leave for the sea with enthusiasm and energy, their return is equally lively and joyful. "The next day, bustling at the dock, The whole village gathers to welcome the boats back, Thanks to the good fortune of a calm sea, the boats are full of fish, Fresh, silver fish with sparkling scales." With a soft and loving tone, Tế Hanh conveys the feeling of tranquility, peace, and the joy of the fishermen after a hard day’s work at sea. The poet also expresses a deep gratitude to the sea for providing the people with a prosperous life—how Mother Nature generously provided calm seas and an abundance of fish, bringing them joy after a bountiful catch. "The fishermen’s skin is tanned from the sun, Their bodies full of the distant sea breeze, The boat rests in the dock, weary from its journey, Feeling the salt gradually soak into its wooden body." Growing up in a fishing village, Tế Hanh has a keen, insightful awareness of the fishermen’s lives and their spiritual essence. The fishermen, constantly battling the sea, can never have fair, pale skin. Instead, they carry the distinctive sun-kissed skin—rough and weathered, yet full of vitality and struggle. Even more subtly, Tế Hanh captures the "distant sea breeze" that seems to have seeped into the very core of the fishermen, leaving them imbued with the salty fragrance of the sea, which becomes part of their essence. The poet creates a unique image of the fishing village’s people, robust, weathered, but deeply familiar. Tế Hanh does not only focus on the fishermen after a hard day’s catch, but also pays attention to the boat itself. Just as the boat is strong and eager when setting out, it also becomes calm and still once it returns, resting after a long night at sea. The poet perceives everything with a deep sense of empathy and affection, seeing everything in his homeland, even the village's soul, as if it has a shape. The boat, like the people, knows the struggle of catching the wind, and after all that effort, it longs for rest, creating a peaceful, calm atmosphere in the village after the hard work. The boat sits still, "Feeling the salt gradually soak into its wooden body," as if it’s conversing with the sea, reflecting on its journey. This creates a striking shift in the sensory experience—Tế Hanh tastes the salt, hears it, and uses touch to feel the sea's saltiness slowly seeping into the boat's wood, or into the fishermen’s bodies, in an almost spiritual union with the sea. This symbolizes the deep connection between all things and the sea in their homeland. "Quê hương" is filled with familiar artistic features, like comparison and personification, simple and rustic language. But through Tế Hanh’s delicate perceptions, he presents a vibrant, poetic picture of life in the fishing village. There, we feel the poet’s deep, tender affection for his homeland, one that continues even when he has left. He still remembers the people of his homeland, with their salty, sea-worn skin, and the image of a boat resting on the dock, quietly reflecting on the vast ocean.

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Reference Paper No. 6

For an artist, particularly a poet, the homeland holds a special, irreplaceable place, as Xuân Diệu once said: "The first pure cells of a human soul are truly mysterious." The homeland always leaves deep and lasting "impressions" that help shape a poet's spirit and artistic style. It seems there is no poet who doesn't write about their homeland. However, among modern poets, there are few who share such a deep, enduring, and intense affection for their homeland as Tế Hanh. There is perhaps no other poet who has written so much about their homeland as he has. Indeed, his homeland is like a home for his poetry, a constant source of inspiration flowing through his entire poetic career, and is the subject of his finest and most successful works.

Indeed, Tế Hanh's journey into poetry began with works about his homeland, most notably "Homeland" (written in 1939) — a poem that has withstood decades and remains one of the finest poems in modern Vietnamese literature. The prevailing emotion in Tế Hanh's "Homeland" is his deep and heartfelt connection to his village. Firstly, Tế Hanh expresses his love for his homeland indirectly through the way he introduces his village in the opening lines of the poem. Only someone deeply attached to the river and the fishing trade could create such vivid imagery of fishermen amidst the vast sky and winds, full of the colors and scents of their beloved homeland: “My village used to fish by the shore, surrounded by water, half a day from the sea.” These short eight-syllable lines introduce his homeland in a clear, concise, and full way. The phrase “My village” conveys the poet’s affectionate and sentimental bond with his homeland. Through these lines, the poet paints a picture of his village as a traditional fishing village, with a unique geographical feature: the village is “half a day from the sea,” using the familiar spatial measurement of the coastal people — time as a measure of space. Thus, the poet introduces his homeland briefly, naturally, and simply, but it is imbued with a deep and tender love for the place. The salty essence of the sea infuses both the image of the people and the poet’s soul, as he recalls childhood memories of his homeland with deep emotion. The poet’s love for his homeland is further expressed through his vivid depiction of the daily life of fishermen at sea. The first scene he describes is the early morning scene of fishing boats setting out to sea, depicted in the following lines: “When the sky is blue, the breeze gentle, the morning pink, the strong men row their boats to fish.” This imagery creates a vast, bright, and vibrant sea atmosphere, full of life and energy, and free from sorrow. The fishermen are described as youthful and strong, effortlessly rowing their boats to fish — an image of vitality and vigor. The boats are compared to “a fine steed,” symbolizing strength and energy as they rush to sea, ready to face the challenges of the ocean. Through these lines, the poet conveys a sense of urgency, energy, and determination as the fishermen embark on their journey. As the poet becomes absorbed in the imagery of the boats and the sea, he shifts focus to a new description of the sail: “The sail is like the soul of the village, stretching wide to gather the wind.” The sail is compared to the “soul of the village,” and with this comparison, the poet reflects the spirit and strength of the people, as well as their intimate connection to the sea. In these lines, the sail embodies the village’s soul, a symbol of collective energy and pride, like a living, breathing entity. Tế Hanh’s love for his homeland and his people is palpable in his poetic imagery. He goes on to depict the return of the fishing boats after a long day at sea, bringing with them a bountiful harvest. The fishermen are welcomed back with joy, as the boats are filled with fresh, shimmering fish, and the atmosphere is vibrant with the sounds of celebration: “The next day, the boats return, bustling at the dock, full of fish.” The village comes alive with the joy of reunion and gratitude for the sea that has provided for them. The poet captures the essence of the fishermen’s life, describing their strong, sun-tanned bodies and the salty scent of the sea that clings to them. The poet’s careful, vivid descriptions create a lasting image of the fishermen as resilient, proud people who live in harmony with nature. The boats, after a long day’s work, rest quietly by the shore, their sails absorbing the salty air, as the poet hears the sea’s essence lingering in the boat’s wooden frame: “The boat rests quietly, the dock tired, the salt of the sea seeping into the wood.” This subtle image conveys the enduring connection between the people, their boats, and the sea — a symbol of the poet’s deep love and attachment to his homeland, which has shaped both his poetry and his life. Tế Hanh’s ability to infuse the very essence of the sea into his writing makes his work timeless, resonating with a sense of nostalgia, longing, and love for his homeland, which is ever present in his poetry.

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Reference Paper No. 1

My village is traditionally known for its fishing craft. This unique opening sets the stage for Tế Hanh’s story. He passionately recounts the daily life in his fishing village, painting a vivid picture of a coastal area where the river meets the sea. Through his first two lines, the poet introduces the village's location and its primary occupation—fishing with nets. The village is inseparable from the sea, and fishing is the heart of its existence. The poet captures the essence of his homeland as a peaceful morning unfolds. The sky is clear, the breeze gentle, and the early morning glow is magnificent. It is an idyllic, refreshing morning, one that brings calm and joy to the people, especially those who depend on the sea for their livelihood. For them, a peaceful morning foretells a successful day of fishing, where nets are full and hopes are high. In this serene atmosphere, the young men, strong and healthy, row their boats out to sea, ready to embrace the labor ahead. Only the strongest men can manage the light yet swift boats, their oars cutting through the water like a spirited horse galloping forward. This imagery embodies the excitement of the journey, and the vivid description helps the reader feel the dynamic energy of the fishermen’s work. The poet later introduces two lines with surprising beauty: 'The sail rises, as large as the soul of the village' and 'The white-bodied snake gathers the wind.' Here, the sail is metaphorically compared to the soul of the village, a representation of something both tangible and intangible. The image of the sail captures the essence of the village’s spirit—its connection to the sea, its unique culture, and its deep-rooted memories. For Tế Hanh, the image of the sail, a symbol of hope and resilience, is tied to his memories of childhood. The poet’s vivid description of the sail portrays it as a grand, powerful image, capable of capturing the very essence of the village’s strength and unity. The scene transitions to the fishermen returning to shore the next day, the village in a state of joyful bustle. People gather on the docks, eagerly awaiting the boats, grateful for the bounty the sea has provided. The atmosphere is one of celebration and contentment as they bring in their fresh catch. The poet doesn’t focus on any individual but instead paints a broad picture of the village’s collective excitement. The cheers of the villagers, their collective joy, resonate through the words 'Thanks to the heavens, the sea is calm, and the boats are full.' This line expresses gratitude for the sea's bounty and the villagers’ success, giving the moment a sense of fulfillment. In the midst of this, the men, their bodies weathered and bronzed from the sun, appear in the poet's beautiful lines: 'Their entire body exudes the distant scent of the sea.' These lines encapsulate the fishermen’s connection to the ocean, as though they have become part of the sea itself. Their skin carries the salt and essence of the ocean, embodying the spirit of the sea. The poet captures the romantic, rugged image of these fishermen, portraying them as men whose lives are inseparably intertwined with the sea. The boat, once swift and eager to leave, now returns to the shore, tired and resting. It is personified, lying still and exhausted, as if it too needs to rejuvenate after its labor. The boat’s stillness mirrors the fishermen’s return, and the image evokes a sense of peace and contentment. The poem concludes with the poet’s reflection on the smell of the sea—the scent of saltwater, fish, and the earthiness of the shore. This scent is a powerful symbol of home, a reminder of the deep connection to the land and sea that the villagers share. The poet’s nostalgia for the fishing village, with its unique smells and sights, captures the deep bond he has to his hometown. Tế Hanh’s poem is a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to his village, a place that has given him inspiration for his poetry. Through his vivid descriptions and tender memories, he paints a picture of a simple, yet vibrant life rooted in nature and community. His love for his hometown shines through, making this poem an enduring classic that captures the spirit of a fishing village and the poet’s deep affection for it.

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5. Reference Poem 2

Home is a topic that never runs dry for poets. Everyone has their own unique perspective and personal connection to the place they call home. We encounter poems about home written by authors such as Đỗ Trung Quân, Giang Nam, and Tế Hanh. Among them, Tế Hanh's poem 'Quê hương' stands out with its simplicity, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the place that nurtured the soul. The poem begins with heartfelt, honest simplicity:

My village has always been a fishing community

Surrounded by water, half a day's journey to the sea

These lines convey the poet's deep connection to a humble village by the sea, with fishing as the main livelihood. The imagery of 'water' and 'sea' powerfully captures the essence of rural coastal life, a life that Tế Hanh fondly remembers even when away from home.

The following verses describe the serene beauty of a morning at sea, painting an image full of peace and tranquility:

When the sky is clear and the morning breeze is light

Strong young men row boats out to fish

The scene of fishermen at dawn, with the gentle breeze and the rosy morning sky, is both tranquil and full of life, bringing to mind the rhythm of daily work on the water.

The boat sails like a wild horse

Rowing the oars with strength to cross the river

While earlier lines were gentle and graceful, these verses depict the vigor and power of the fishermen. The dynamic verbs 'sails' and 'rows' create a vivid image of strength and energy, while the comparison of the boat to a 'wild horse' adds a sense of wild freedom and determination.

The sails catch the wind like the soul of the village

White, vast sails gather the wind

The imagery of the sail as 'the soul of the village' reflects the deep bond between the fishermen and their livelihood. The poet masterfully blends the practical with the poetic, giving the simple sail a life and spirit of its own.

The scene of the fishermen returning home after a long day of work is depicted with joy and pride:

The next day, the pier is bustling with activity

The whole village is busy unloading the boats

Thanks to the calm sea, the boats are filled with fish

Fresh, silver fish, gleaming under the sun

The bustle of the village, with people eagerly gathering around to unload their catch, conveys a sense of success and satisfaction. The fish, 'fresh and silver,' symbolize the fruits of hard labor.

The villagers, their skin sun-kissed and their bodies strong from years of hard work, embody the rugged beauty of coastal life:

The fishermen’s dark, sun-drenched skin

And their bodies, full of the salty air of the sea

The vivid image of these hardworking people reflects the resilience and spirit of those who live by the sea, enduring harsh conditions yet remaining deeply connected to the land and water.

Despite the distance, the poet’s love for his homeland remains unwavering, and these familiar images of his village continue to haunt his thoughts:

Now, far away, my heart is full of longing

The green water, silver fish, and the white sail

I see the boat cutting through the waves, heading out to sea

I can almost smell the salty air again

This stanza reveals the poet’s deep, unshakeable nostalgia for the place of his youth, a place where nature and life are intertwined in ways that are impossible to forget. The poem speaks not only for Tế Hanh but for all those who, living far from home, carry the memory of their roots with them.

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6. Reference Poem 3

Homeland is an endless source of inspiration for many Vietnamese poets, especially Tế Hanh, a writer who played a significant role in the New Poetry movement and continued to create prolifically after the revolution. He is well-known for his heartfelt and profound poems about the beloved southern homeland.

In his poetry, one can sense the passionate breath of the children of the sea, or the sunlit river during a noon, deeply connected to the poet’s profound love for his homeland. His poem “Homeland” marks a vivid memory of his youth and serves as the foundation for his poetic journey centered around the theme of homeland. Written with deep affection for the natural beauty and the hardworking people, it encapsulates his deep love for both nature and laborers.

The poem is composed in an eight-syllable line format, combining both continuous and embraced rhymes, which reflects the bustling rhythm of life in a coastal fishing village:

My village is known for fishing

Water surrounds it, halfway from sea to river

When the sky is clear, the gentle breeze at dawn

The young men paddle boats to fish.

To many Vietnamese, homeland is the roofed shrine, the ancient well, the banyan tree, and the dish of water spinach with fermented shrimp paste. To Tế Hanh, however, homeland is a fishing village nestled between the river and the sea, surrounded by water, a vibrant rural landscape unfolding before us: “Clear sky – gentle breeze – pink dawn,” with the space seeming to stretch endlessly, the sky appearing higher, and light pouring through.

The pure sky, the soft breeze, and the glowing pink morning sun signal the beginning of a new day, filled with hope, enthusiasm, and the lively spirit of the fishermen as they set sail:

The boat is as light as a spirited steed

It rows strongly, cutting through the river’s vastness.

While the previous verses describe nature, here the poet focuses on the exhilarating and lively picture of labor. The boat, compared to a spirited steed, intensifies the sense of strength and joy of the fishermen. Verbs like “spirited,” “cutting,” and “overcoming” vividly depict the boat’s powerful energy and vitality, rushing forward with passion—overcoming the waves, the winds. The boat, with its sails full, moves forward heroically and majestically:

The sail is spread wide like the village’s soul

It swells, gathering the wind to set sail…

From nature’s image, the poet associates it with the “human soul.” Only someone deeply connected to their homeland like Tế Hanh could write in this way. The white sail, once a simple symbol, now becomes grand and majestic. The sail gathers wind, soaring over the vast sea, like the soul of the people yearning for a bright future. Perhaps the poet suddenly realizes that the essence of his homeland lies in the sail. This imagery is both poetic and grand, capturing both the physical shape and the spirit of the objects depicted.

The comparison here doesn't just make the description more vivid but also evokes a dreamy beauty with deep meaning. It reflects the poet’s sensitivity and affection. One might interpret that all the love, hope, and struggles of the fishermen are embodied in the sail full of wind. The ellipsis at the end of the stanza creates an impression of endless space, between the vast water, with the human figure on the small boat not appearing lonely but rather showing mastery over nature.

The whole passage is a portrayal of the homeland and the fishermen going out to catch fish, reflecting the fast pace of the people's lives, their excitement, hope, and optimism, waiting for a fruitful tomorrow:

The next day, the dock is bustling

The whole village gathers to welcome the boats back

Thanks to the heavens, the sea is calm, the boats are full of fish

The fish are fresh and silver-white.

The adjectives “bustling” and “crowded” vividly capture the lively and energetic atmosphere of the return of the fishing boats. The reader can almost feel the lively mood, hear the sincere gratitude for the calm sea and safe return, and see the “fresh fish, silver-white.” Tế Hanh doesn’t describe the fishing process, but we can imagine the tireless labor that led to the anticipated result.

After the fishing trip, the image of the boat and the fishermen returning to rest:

The fishermen have sun-kissed, tanned skin

Their bodies exude the distant taste of the sea

The boat rests at the dock, exhausted after a year of work

You can taste the salt slowly seeping through its wooden planks.

This is perhaps the most delicate and poetic part of the poem. The description of “sun-kissed skin” leaves a lasting impression, while the following line describes a romantic sense, “Their bodies exude the distant taste of the sea.” The robust bodies of the fishermen are soaked in the salty breath of the vast ocean. The uniqueness of the verse lies in its ability to convey both the spirit and the vastness of the fishermen’s existence. The two verses describing the boat resting at the dock are also an artistic innovation.

The poet not only sees the boat resting at the dock but also senses its weariness. Just like the fishermen, the boat, too, carries the taste of salt from the sea. The boat seems to listen to the salt of the ocean seeping into its wood. It has a soul, no longer just an inanimate object, but a companion of the fishermen. Only someone deeply rooted in their homeland could write such delicate verses. The soul of Tế Hanh merges with nature, listening to the wind, the waves, the busy fish market, and the quiet in the boat's wood.

Perhaps the salty essence has also seeped deeply into the poet’s flesh and soul, becoming a lingering and magical feeling. Tế Hanh’s fine sensitivity is that he “hears” the things that are not visible or audible, like the “soul of the village” in the “sail spread wide.” His poetry is a world very close to us—one that often seems blurry, where the feelings we have for nature are silent: the weariness, the joy of the boat returning to the dock...

The poet expresses a heartfelt longing, revealing the deep emotions of a person far from home, yearning for their homeland, for their country:

Now separated, my heart always remembers

The green water, silver fish, and white sail

A glimpse of the boat cutting through the waves, heading to the open sea

I can’t forget the salty scent.

Without these lines, we may not realize that the poet is far from home. What we see is a vivid scene described by a young poet. From this, we understand that the poet's homeland always lives within his subconscious, always present in his thoughts, his emotions. The longing for the homeland bursts into simple words: “I can’t forget the salty scent.” Homeland is the salty scent of the sea, the green waters, the silver fish, and the white sail.

The colors of the homeland are the brightest and most familiar. Tế Hanh cherishes the unique flavors of his homeland, full of sweetness and charm. His poetry, like him, is simple, yet deep—simple like the people of his village, strong yet full of reflection. This creates a vibrant, poetic, and heroic picture of the daily life of the fishermen.

The poem leaves an unforgettable impression of a fishing village, half a day from the sea, shimmering with waves and golden sunshine. The river, the soul of the sea, has inspired Tế Hanh from his youth until his time in the North. His deep, warm love for his homeland remains with him, no matter where he goes:

I spread my arms to embrace the water

The river opens and embraces me within

We grew up, each taking different paths

Some fish by the river, others plow the fields

I hold my rifle, far from home, to fight

But my heart is like the rain and the wind of the sea

Always returning, longing for the river’s banks

(Remembering the River of My Homeland - 1956)

With his simple soul, Tế Hanh emerged in the New Poetry movement, yet he did not indulge in the disillusionment or detachment from reality that many poets of his time experienced. His poetry is the soul of a poet blending with the soul of the people, the soul of the nation, joining in “the sail spread wide like the village’s soul.” “Homeland”—two cherished words, homeland—hope and longing, will always reside in the heart of Tế Hanh, the son of Quảng Ngãi, bringing forth the most sacred and vibrant of memories. The poem, with its lively rhythm and vivid imagery, fills the reader with a sense of anticipation, with a language that evokes a scene of homeland “so very Tế Hanh.”

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