Top 7 Best Essays Analyzing the Second Stanza of 'Talking to My Son'

'Talking to My Son' is the most iconic poem by Y Phương. Through the second stanza, the father uses a gentle reminder to his son about their roots, skillfully praising the noble qualities of the 'mountain people' and celebrating the cultural identity of their homeland. These qualities may seem modest, but they are truly worthy of pride and preservation, serving as the foundation that the son must carry with him as he journeys into the wider world.

The noble characteristics of the 'mountain people' unfold gradually through the father's words. Their life is filled with joy and optimism: 'Cao đo nỗi buồn Xa nuôi chí lớn.' The inversion of words adds a lofty, ethereal feel to the poem. The mountain people use mountains, streams, and rivers as their units of measurement, a tradition that Y Phương elegantly incorporates into his poetry. Despite their hardships, the mountain people are always able to 'nurture great ambitions.' They are resilient, proud, and have survived in a harsh, mysterious natural world. They have never been defeated. This is the proud quality Y Phương seeks to highlight. It is also the unwavering loyalty of the 'mountain people' to their birthplace: 'Sống trên đá không chê đá gập ghềnh Sống trong thung không chê thung nghèo đói.' With repetition, vivid comparisons, and varying sentence structures, the father's words emphasize that despite their difficult lives, the mountain people endure with strength, freedom, and a deep attachment to their homeland. The father wishes for his son to remain loyal to his heritage, overcoming challenges with his willpower, resolve, and faith.

The 'mountain people' are humble yet full of willpower and belief. Though 'rough in body,' they are far from small in spirit. They are self-reliant and know how to build their homeland while preserving the noble customs of the 'mountain people': 'Người đồng mình đục đá kê cao quê hương Còn quê hương thì làm phong tục.' This line holds two layers of meaning. Literally, 'carving stones to elevate the homeland' refers to the real-life practice of building homes on rocky mountain slopes. The mountain's stone becomes a symbol of the people's determination, steadfastness, and resilience. Metaphorically, it speaks to their sense of pride and their commitment to preserving their origins. The father's hope is that his son internalizes this enduring love, knowing it remains unchanged no matter what the future holds.

The poem concludes with the father's words of advice and hope, urging his son to take pride in his homeland's fine traditions, carrying them as tools for navigating life's journey: 'Son, though rough in body, Step forward. Never be small. Hear me, my son.' The repetition of 'rough in body' serves to remind the son to deeply remember his people and his homeland. The 'mountain people' may be simple, but they live with dignity. The son must live honorably and with self-respect, worthy of the love and values of the 'mountain people.' He carries their noble qualities and should 'never be small,' no matter how challenging the path ahead may seem. He should walk forward with confidence, knowing that his family and homeland support him. The words 'Hear me, my son' are filled with the father's deep affection and trust, leaving a gentle yet resonant echo of love.

With free verse, a natural emotional flow, vivid imagery, and poetic language, this poem expresses familial love, celebrates resilience, and honors the noble qualities of the 'mountain people' and their homeland. The second stanza allows us to better understand the vitality and spirit of a mountain ethnic group, evoking deep emotions about their connection to tradition, homeland, and their will to rise above life's challenges.

Y Phuong hails from Cao Bang and belongs to the Tay ethnic group. His poetry reflects a sincere, strong, and pure soul, alongside the rich, vivid imagery characteristic of mountain people. The work, written in 1980 and published in the collection 'Thơ Nam 1945,' expresses the author's inner thoughts directed towards his firstborn daughter as well as to himself. Especially poignant is the second stanza of the poem: 'The people of my homeland, I love you so... Listen, my child,' which not only serves as a simple piece of advice but encapsulates the deep respect, admiration, and pride for the people and the homeland.

Through simple, beautiful, and evocative imagery, using a concrete yet intimate language of the mountain people, the father wishes to convey to his child that the loving embrace of parents, family, and the profound bond with the village are the very foundation that nurtured the child’s growth. It is the origin of all that is. The child must remember this.

In the sweetness of memories about family and homeland, the father passionately speaks to his child about the admirable qualities of the people of his homeland. The repetitive phrase 'the people of my homeland' serves as an essential focus of this poetic work. 'The people of my homeland' refers to the parents, the people from the same land, the Tay and Nung ethnic groups.

With simple, direct words and vivid imagery, along with the use of repetition and varying sentence structures, the poet evokes deep affection for the people of his homeland. These people live through hardships, poverty, and toil, but they are optimistic, humble, strong, open-minded, and proud of their land and nation. The people of my homeland are not only simple, skilled laborers, but also individuals who care for their community and have grand dreams. The father aims to teach the child to live with love for the homeland, to remain loyal, and to overcome challenges with willpower and faith:

'The people of my homeland, I love you so
Cao, measure your sorrow
Far to nurture grand dreams'

Y Phương is one of the most famous poets from the Tày ethnic group. His poems often reflect a sincere and strong soul, rich in imagery about the people of the mountains. One of his most well-known works is the poem 'Talking to My Son,' which focuses on family love, praises the hardworking traditions, and the strong vitality of people and their homeland. One of the most impressive excerpts is the second stanza of the poem. It highlights pride in the enduring strength, perseverance, and noble traditions of the homeland.

'My fellow people, I love you so much, my child,'

'High enough to measure sorrow, far enough to nurture great ambitions.'

The author uses the phrase 'My fellow people' to show the close bond and affection for the origins of the people here. 'My fellow people' refers to the people of the region, this is the local dialect of the mountain people, their native tongue, or more precisely, the language of their roots. The father's words to his son are so sincere, warm, and full of affection. With the intimate term 'my fellow people,' the father is passing on his love for the origin, encouraging his son to cherish and preserve the good virtues of their ethnicity. Especially the phrase 'I love you so much' is so heartfelt and sincere. When we read this verse, we feel as though we are witnessing the tender look of a father talking about his people, his homeland. The love the father feels for his homeland and people is deep, sincere, and full of admiration. The phrase 'I love you so much' is simple yet profound, touching the heart of the reader.

The father's love for 'my fellow people' is also expressed through understanding and compassion for the struggles they endure. This is shown in the phrase 'high enough to measure sorrow' – the constant sorrow of the people living in the midst of clouds and mountains. They often have to leave their villages, journeying across dangerous, rugged peaks to survive. It’s the hardship, the poverty, and the hunger that still cling to the people of the ethnic group. Yet the father takes pride in 'far enough to nurture great ambitions' as he speaks to his son. Though the people of the region live in hardship, they all carry a grand vision and the determination to rise higher in the future.

In just two short verses, the poem affirms pride in the noble qualities of the ethnic group, and pride in their strength and resilience.

'No matter what, I still want'

'To live on stone, never complaining about its ruggedness.'

'To live in the valley, never complaining about its poverty.'

'Climbing over the peaks, crossing the rapids.'

'Don’t fear the hardship.'

'No one is really small, my child.'

'My fellow people carve stone to elevate our homeland.'

'And our homeland creates customs.'

'And our homeland creates customs.'

'Go on your journey.'

'Never be small.'

'Hear me, my child.'

The theme of homeland is a familiar and eternal source of inspiration for artists to express deep and profound love. While poet Đỗ Trung Quân conveys this emotion through tender verses and soft melodies with "Homeland is a bunch of sweet starfruit - For children to climb and pick every day..." poet Y Phương shares that sacred love through the heartfelt words of a father to his child. The father-child relationship and family love are naturally generalized into the feeling of love for the homeland. This is clearly shown in the second stanza of the poem. The author praises the vitality and noble qualities of the people of the mountains, along with the hope that future generations will continue and enhance the traditions of the nation and homeland.

Anyone who has read the poem 'Nói với con' by Y Phương will undoubtedly experience a range of emotions, especially moved by the strong familial bonds and the deep love for their homeland. Set against the backdrop of the majestic mountains of the Northwest, the poem highlights the beautiful life and enduring qualities of the 'người đồng mình' (the people of the mountains), known for their hard work, perseverance, and unbreakable connection to their roots. This theme is most evident in the second section of the poem.

In the second stanza of 'Nói với con', the poet Y Phương uses simple and sincere words to vividly portray the image of the 'người đồng mình' in relation to their origins. Despite the difficult and harsh circumstances of their lives, they always radiate an indomitable will to rise above:

'Người đồng mình thương lắm con ơi
Cao đo nỗi buồn
Xa nuôi chí lớn'.

The phrase 'thương lắm' (I love so much) comes from a heart full of empathy, expressing gratitude to the generations that have shaped the identity of the 'người đồng mình'. Amidst the vast forests, the 'người đồng mình' continue to dream of rising higher and farther. The use of inversion in the poem adds a subtle elegance, giving the verses an unexpected lightness. Even though the challenges are great, the dreams never fade. This is the wellspring of strength that enables them to survive and reach a beautiful life. Y Phương understands and cherishes this, using it as a lesson to teach his child. Once again, the beauty of life and the noble character of the 'người đồng mình' are clearly depicted:

'Dẫu làm sao thì cha vẫn muốn
Sống trên đá không chê đá gập ghềnh
Sống trong thung không chê thung nghèo đói'.

The repeated structure 'sống – không chê' ('live – do not complain') and the art of comparison paint a picture of a difficult yet heroic life. Life may be hard, but the spirit remains noble, optimistic, and full of love. The people of the mountains accept and cherish the life they have, continuously improving it for future generations. The more difficult and challenging their lives are, the more they support each other, building a way of life in harmony with nature:

'Sống như sông như suối
Lên thác xuống ghềnh
Không lo cực nhọc'.

With a gentle, loving tone, and straightforward, simple expressions that reflect the Tày ethnic group's characteristic voice in Cao Bằng, Y Phương uses metaphors and comparisons typical in soft, gentle poetry to highlight the special qualities in a father’s words to his child. Children often grow up under the protection and nurturing of their parents. With his unique perspective, the poet speaks of the hardship in mountainous rural areas, marked by 'rough' and 'poverty'. Yet, it is a source of pride, a celebration of the life and character of the 'người đồng mình' that the poet honors through this poem.

The character of the mountain people is carefree, not calculating or selfish. They give what they have without hesitation. The comparison 'Sống như sông như suối' ('Live like rivers and streams') evokes the beauty of the soul and determination of the 'người đồng mình': a vitality that is both strong and enduring. Despite hardship and toil, their spirits are filled with vigor, romanticism, and expansiveness, much like the boundless rivers and mountains. Their lives are simple yet rich in willpower and spirit. Their emotions are clear and abundant like streams that never run dry, their love for life and for others constant.

'Người đồng mình thô sơ da thịt
Chẳng mấy ai nhỏ bé đâu con'.

Once again, the 'người đồng mình' is referred to with affection. They may be 'rough in body' but they are by no means small in stature. No matter the circumstance, the 'người đồng mình' always uphold their dignity and self-respect, protecting it as fiercely as their own life. They would never sacrifice their conscience or betray the mountains, forests, or their homeland for material gain. Every action, every piece of their life is etched in the rocks, rivers, and memories of the people, becoming customs, ways of life, and the very essence of the community:

'Người đồng mình tự đục đá kê cao quê hương
Còn quê hương thì làm phong tục'.

The pride in their survival and the cultural beauty of the 'người đồng mình' makes the poem even more poignant. Though their values may not be seen as monumental compared to others, they are the most precious and important to the 'người đồng mình'. They are proud and confident in having built their homeland on rocky mountains, surviving in the midst of a harsh land, and conquering the world with the power of their collective culture. They understand that if they do not preserve and promote this strength, one day their homeland will wither, and all the efforts of their ancestors will be lost before the overwhelming power of nature. They also know that there are better things out there, but they hope future generations will not change themselves due to selfishness or narrow-mindedness:

'Con ơi tuy thô sơ da thịt
Lên đường
Không bao giờ nhỏ bé được
Nghe con'.

The poet's expression, coupled with artistic devices, makes the poem lively and rich in rhythm. The repeated structure creates a unique quality that leaves a lasting impression on the reader, one that few poems can penetrate so deeply. Y Phương uses these techniques to emphasize and remind his child—etched deeply in memory—that despite the hardships, there is no reason to complain, but to embrace it. Live simply, appreciate what you have, and do not race after urban life or indulgence. The poet, through the father's voice, imparts a lesson to his child about being devoted to the land, the homeland, and the ancestors—a lesson that many fail to uphold.

The poem is full of warmth, tenderness, and wise advice. The father’s words to his child about duty, pride, love, respect, and the preservation of traditions are a reminder for all of us to live responsibly towards our homeland and country.

One can separate a person from their homeland, but never their homeland from the person. Through the beauty of the 'người đồng mình' and the poet Y Phương's deep emotions, the second stanza of the poem 'Nói với con' helps us to understand the vitality and soulful beauty of a mountain person. It also calls attention to the enduring connection to tradition and homeland that many of us have long forgotten.

Throughout history, family bonds have always been cherished as sacred and profound. They are like the nurturing milk that helps us grow and thrive. While Chế Lan Viên used the tender lullabies filled with human emotion to express the sacred maternal love in his poem 'Con cò,' Y Phương – a poet from the ethnic minority region – passionately 'Speaks to His Child' about the deep father-son relationship and, more broadly, the affection for one’s homeland and people. This is especially evident in the second stanza of his poem:

'My fellow people, I love you so much, my child
Measured by the weight of sorrow
Distance nurtures grand ambitions
Whatever happens, father still desires
To live on the stones, never complaining of the ruggedness
To live in the valleys, never complaining of poverty
To live like rivers, like streams
Crossing waterfalls, enduring hardship
People of my land are rough-skinned, yet full of spirit
No one is small in my land, my child
We carve stones to build our homeland
Our homeland shapes the traditions we follow
Though rough-skinned and humble
When you set out, you must never be small, my child
Do you hear me, child?'

Recognizing the deep emotional ties of family and the homeland as the cradle of every human’s growth, the father 'speaks to his child' about the admirable qualities of their people. He wishes for the child to always be proud of their village and their Tày ethnic roots, which value loyalty and righteousness. The people of my land are emotionally rich, enduring hardships with patience, yet their souls are always vast, nurturing dreams.

'My fellow people, I love you so much, my child
Measured by the weight of sorrow
Distance nurtures grand ambitions'

The father's words, 'speaking to his child,' are a heartfelt expression of his deep love. The soft, affectionate tone and the intimate address 'my fellow people' reflect the sacred connection between every individual and their homeland. The natural, evocative line 'I love you so much, my child' encourages the child to cherish and preserve the noble qualities of their people. The balanced structure of the verses, with simple and rustic phrasing such as 'measured by the weight of sorrow,' portrays the sorrow of a community who has lived among the endless mountains and stones, often separated from their villages, with their journey stretching further into the highlands. Thus, we see that the people of my land live a tough, impoverished life, enduring hardship but with an unwavering spirit. 'Distance nurtures grand ambitions,' the father wishes to tell his child that their people have an unshakable will, a deep desire to rise above their circumstances and aim for a bright future. The succinct words reflect pride in their ethnic spirit and traditions.

'No matter what, father still desires
To live on the stones, never complaining of the ruggedness
To live in the valleys, never complaining of poverty'

The repetition of 'live' and 'never complain' shows the deep connection and loyalty to the homeland, willing to endure all difficulties. The imagery of stones and valleys illustrates the hardships of their homeland, with the rough word 'ruggedness' evoking the uncertainty and instability of life. Despite these challenges, the father wants the child to always remain loyal and unwavering in their bond to the land, no matter how difficult life may be. Additionally, the father advises the child to have determination and the strength to rise above life's challenges:

'Live like rivers, like streams
Crossing waterfalls, enduring hardship
Never fear hardship'

The vivid metaphor 'live like rivers, like streams' conveys the father's advice for the child to lead a life full of freedom, vastness, and ambition, always striving for a future full of possibilities. The simple, everyday phrase 'never fear hardship' urges the child to be ready to face challenges head-on, without hesitation or discouragement. For life is never calm like a still lake; instead, the child must face obstacles boldly and bravely. The people of my land are not only rich in willpower but also in spiritual strength, with open hearts ready to contribute to building a better homeland with noble qualities:

'The people of my land are rough-skinned
But no one is small, my child
We carve stones to build our homeland
And our homeland shapes the traditions we follow'

The gentle and earnest rhythm of the verse expresses the intimate tone of a father's guidance. The line 'rough-skinned' portrays the simplicity and modesty of the people, while the phrase 'no one is small' reflects the pride they take in their character and spirit. 'The people of my land' never accept a life of insignificance, always dreaming of a greater future, driven by the desire to rise above their circumstances. This is rooted in the noble traditions of their people:

'The people of my land carve stones to build our homeland
Our homeland shapes the traditions we follow'

The straightforward imagery of 'carving stones' symbolizes the people’s efforts to build their humble yet valuable community. Through their hard work, they create a prosperous homeland and nurture a profound connection to the land. The phrase 'our homeland shapes the traditions we follow' emphasizes the evolving nature of tradition and culture, molded by the homeland's development.

'My child, though rough-skinned,
When you leave, you must never be small.
Do you hear me, child?'

The slow, earnest rhythm of the final verses reinforces the message: the child must never forget their roots. The repetition of 'rough-skinned' further emphasizes the nobility and strength of their people. The succinct command 'when you leave' reminds the child to live with dignity and pride in their cultural heritage. Despite life's hardships, the people of my land stand tall, never yielding to insignificance. The poem concludes with the powerful and heartfelt words: 'Do you hear me, child?' This final line, concise yet commanding, urges the child to honor their cultural roots and to carry the values of their homeland wherever they go, proudly walking through life with their heritage in their heart.

In conclusion, the poem’s tender tone, simple language, and evocative imagery create a deeply lyrical atmosphere. The verses express the father's belief in his child’s future while reinforcing the unbreakable bond between the individual and their homeland. The poem also evokes feelings of connection to traditions, cultural pride, and the unwavering determination to rise above challenges, living with strength and confidence.

Y Phương is a poet from the Tày ethnic group. He is from Trùng Khánh, Cao Bằng Province. From being a soldier during the American War, he later became a poet.

His poetry has a distinct beauty, "expressing the sincere, strong, and pure soul of a mountain person, with a rich imagery-driven way of thinking."

"Nói với con" by Y Phương is a beautiful poem, a blooming flower of art, filled with the fragrance and essence of the northern border mountains. This is the second part of the poem:

Người đồng mình thương lắm con ơi

Cao đo nỗi buồnXa nuôi chí lớn

Dẫu làm sao thì cha vẫn muốn

Sống trên đá không chê đá gập ghềnh

Sống trong thung không chê thung nghèo đói

Sống như sông như suối

Lên thác xuống ghềnh

Không lo cực nhọc

Người đồng mình thô sơ da thịt

Chẳng mấy ai nhỏ bé đâu con

Người đồng mình tự đục đá kê cao quê hương

Còn quê hương thì làm phong tục

Con ơi tuy thô sơ da thịt

Lên đường

Không bao giờ nhỏ bé được

Nghe con.

In the first part, Y Phương wrote: "Người đồng mình yêu lắm con ơi", while in the second part, he repeats this sentiment, but with a slightly different tone. The father's words to his child sound sweet and heartfelt: "Người đồng mình thương lắm con ơi". "Người đồng mình" refers to the people from the author's homeland, the Tày and Nùng ethnic groups, where "the waters of Cao Bằng" and "the rice is pure and the water is clear". It is important to love and cherish "người đồng mình", to be proud of them, and to never retreat in the face of challenges. The clearer the heart, the higher the will, the further the vision:

Cao đo nỗi buồn

Xa nuôi chí lớn

The father speaks to the child, teaching the child about the principles of life. Regardless of the circumstances, "cha vẫn muốn"—the father still wants his child to hold their head high and live beautifully. The homeland, after years of war, still faces many difficulties and is not yet prosperous. The roads to the villages are still "bumpy", and there are still houses with bamboo walls and thatched roofs, the valleys remain "poor and hungry", and life is hard. The child must remember not to "reject..." any part of it:

Sống trên đá không chê đá gập ghềnh Sống trong thung không chê thung nghèo đói. The child must learn to live strong and resilient, "like the rivers and streams". The child must be courageous, able to "climb mountains and cross rivers" without "fear of hardship".

Repetitive phrases like "không chê... không chê", "sống trên... sống trong... sống như..." enrich the rhythm and melody of the poem, making the father's words to his child feel intensely emotional. The metaphors and idioms used convey the father's wishes, both plainly and deeply, with affection:

Sống như sông như suối

Lên thác xuống ghềnh

Không lo cực nhọc.

The terms and images such as "thô sơ da thịt", "nhỏ bé", "tự đục đá kê cao quê hương" reflect the essential, resilient character of the people of the homeland. The three words "người đồng mình" are repeated many times, expressing the immense love and pride for the homeland. "Người đồng mình" lives simply, "thô sơ da thịt", works hard, and remains patient in labor. They never feel "small" or live a trivial life, either before the world or in their own existence. The father teaches the child the way of life, emphasizing the need to live beautifully and with strength, to always take pride in their heritage, and to carry on the traditions of "người đồng mình":

Người đồng mình thô sơ da thịt

Chẳng mấy ai nhỏ bé đâu con

Người đồng mình tự đục đá kê cao quê hương

Còn quê hương thì làm phong tục.

The child is about to embark on a journey, much like a bird flying towards a distant horizon (whether to study, join the army, or work). The father encourages the child, telling them: "Though your skin may be rough", you cannot, and must not, live a small life, before the world or anyone else. The lesson the father gives, though concise, is profound and deeply moving:

Con ơi tuy thô sơ da thịt

Lên đường

Không bao giờ nhỏ bé được

Nghe con.

Y Phương speaks with clarity, using imagery that reflects his ethnic heritage, "người đồng mình". The words are simple, sincere, and heartfelt. The father's lesson to the child teaches them how to preserve their dignity and integrity: to love and be proud of their homeland, to live with courage, and to live beautifully, just as "người đồng mình" have done for generations.

"Nói với con" is a beautiful poem, expressing a father's love and trust in his dear child. The poem ends with the father's encouragement for the child to set off on their journey. When reading Y Phương's poetry, we are reminded of the lullabies of our childhood:

Con ơi muốn nên thân người,

Lắng tai nghe lấy những lời mẹ cha.