1. Pink Phoenix Flowers
PINK PHOENIX FLOWERS
Poem by Nguyễn Cao Cầm
The pink phoenix flowers bloom and unfold,
Releasing fragrance and vibrant hues of pink so bold,
The golden sun gleams with radiant light,
Sparkling and shimmering, a beauty so bright.
The cicadas sing relentlessly in the schoolyard,
Their song echoing, stirring the soul so hard.
Whispers of voices, smiles that fly,
Fluttering school uniforms passing by.
Graceful in pure white attire,
Our hearts full of dreams, together we aspire.
Though the phoenix flowers may fade in hue,
The bond of teacher and friend remains true.
Gentle doe-eyed, her charm refined,
The rows of girls in bloom, their faces kind.
Teenage smiles, so full of grace,
The lovely figures of youth, in this sacred place.
As summer stirs with a soft embrace,
School ends, leaving a lingering trace.
Each page of the book fragrant with longing,
Dreams and memories endlessly thronging.
The schoolyard burns with the red of the phoenix,
The cicadas' songs soothing the heart so sweet.
Goodbyes are filled with aching sorrow,
Yearning and longing for a new tomorrow.
The ancient phoenix tree stands still and wise,
Its branches wide, reflecting the skies.
The flowers' hues speak of memories long past,
Sharing emotions, as tears fall fast.
When summer arrives, the phoenix flowers bloom,
Their vibrant red petals filling the room.
In the moment of leaving school behind,
Memories of longing and love intertwined.
Hà Nội: May 16, 2020


2. Under the Summer Sun
UNDER THE SUMMER SUN
Poem by Bùi Thị Quế Anh
The schoolyard, wide and sun-drenched,
The phoenix flowers burn brightly in the sky.
The cicadas' shrill calls pierce the air,
What can be said, oh summer, my dear?
The sky, a deep, unbroken blue,
The clouds have all disappeared too.
The old banyan tree, parched and dry,
Longs for rain, watching the heavens sigh.
The page I’m reading lies still and bare,
Golden sunlight weaves through the air.
The light slips gently through the window pane,
Resting softly on my shoulder again...
The teacher and students in the classroom,
Lost in their tasks, with no room for gloom.
In every lesson, I see and feel,
The joy and sorrow that life reveals.
The cicadas continue their endless song,
The phoenix flowers blaze, all day long.
On each page, as I read with care,
Are drops of sweat, lingering there...
(May 21, 2020)


3. I Am Waiting for You
I AM WAITING FOR YOU
Poem by Hoàng Minh Tuấn
This summer has returned to the streets,
Come back to me, my love, I miss you so!
The purple Lagerstroemia blooms, deep and bold,
The sunlight whispers, telling you to come home!
The yellow sunlight still lingers on the old path,
Dreaming of the day we’ll be together again!
Our love remains the same, now and forever,
The flowers of love will color the phoenix’s embrace!
How many days have I waited in vain,
How many times have the phoenix flowers bloomed, my dear?!
Countless nights I have tossed and turned,
Hoping, yearning for our bond to be fulfilled one day!
I wait for you, to rekindle the fire of love,
You and I will revive our old feelings,
Summer returns with golden sunlight,
Our love will bloom again, as I wait for you.
Hà Nội, May 20, 2020


4. The Longing
THE LONGING
Poem by Nguyễn Hiền
Can you see it, my love? The phoenix in full bloom,
The summer trees burn with a brilliant red hue.
The sun weighs heavy, as each cluster sways,
Yet the vow, the promise, remains ever true.
What have you poured into these fleeting years?
Why do the memories twist and refuse to say goodbye?
Who broke the promise? Who led us astray?
The old street corner carries the weight of love gone by.
We wear the memories, the longing, the ache,
As those who stay and those who leave continue to yearn.
The phoenix still burns within my heart,
Only one has forgotten the streets...
......and the street waits in vain!
CHM 28/5/20


5. Reminiscence
REMINISCENCE
Poem by Lan Vương
The sun sets, searching for days gone by,
To return to the youth of a bright, carefree time.
The foolish words I once said, so many times,
The gentle sun rests, glimmering on my lips.
The phoenix has burned bright through countless seasons,
The promises we made still seem so fresh and green.
But the weight of yearning lingers in my heart,
As life has shattered me into fragile, broken pieces.
Suddenly, I find an unfinished love poem,
And I’m startled, lost in a forgotten path.
The old bicycle from childhood, worn and tired,
The scene remains, but the person is no longer here.
The afternoon fades, the sunset laughs in defiance,
The sun unknowingly steals the fire from my heart.
The phoenix cries, mourning its own life,
Can the fleeting moments of glory ever truly shine again?


6. Summer Returns
SUMMER RETURNS
Poem by Sơn Nữ
Summer has returned, yet you still wait and long,
The distant months, your patience running thin.
The cicadas have withered, lost in forgotten tunes,
The old starfruit tree wears a new dress for you.
You returned when the phoenix flowers were still green,
The memories of childhood, now fading into the past.
June arrived, but you never came back,
The purple Lagerstroemia has left the streets for a new season.
The path you walked feels lost in a rain-soaked tale,
The moments we shared now soaked in waiting.
The street remains still,
Waiting for you to return,
The chill of our separation lingers,
In Xứ Lạng this evening,
But warmth returns with dreams of reunion.
Is it sorrow, or has the street changed?
SƠN NỮ 28/5/2020


7. What’s the Use of Purple Lagerstroemia?
WHAT’S THE USE OF PURPLE LAGERSTROEMIA?
Poem by Hoàng Minh Tuấn
Every time I see the purple Lagerstroemia blooms,
My heart stirs with a longing that makes me ache.
In May, the phoenix flowers flood the streets,
Yet you give me Lagerstroemia... what does it mean?
So that I can fall deeper, lost in longing,
Mesmerized by your white dress as you walk with me.
Summer's sweetness, once so intoxicating,
And I still remember that love from years ago.
The last days of summer, filled with farewells,
The path back echoes with the cicada's mournful tune.
We part, with all the hopes and memories,
Left in the pages of a yearbook, where we shared our thoughts.
This year, summer returns again,
The Lagerstroemia still blooms purple, but where are our vows?
You’ve left, leaving only the pain,
As I remember that day, my tears wetting my cheeks.
WHAT’S THE USE OF PURPLE LAGERSTROEMIA?
As May returns, you’re gone and never coming back!
Hà Nội, 7/5/2019


8. The Purple Lagerstroemia Flower
THE PURPLE LAGERSTROEMIA FLOWER
Poem by Minh Xuyến
Oh, Lagerstroemia, you dye the entire path in purple,
Who do you remember, that you love so much?
Your petals curl like the lips of a girl in a playful pout,
My heart stirs, lost in that moment of dreams.
Lagerstroemia, you’re so gentle and graceful,
But don't listen to the winds' sweet whispers,
Avoid the clouds, don't listen to their confessions,
They say you... already have a place elsewhere.
Lagerstroemia, be gentle but not too much,
Be mischievous a little, to add flavor to life,
Don't let your initial purple be filled with sadness,
Be yourself, the one with ambition, all your own.
You still remain quiet, not flaunting your beauty,
Enough for me to send all my sincere affection,
When the sun returns and the rain falls, don’t be annoyed,
Let the sunset... let me wait forever.
Deep purple... give me a dream.
Minh Xuyến 8/5/2020


9. The Purple Lagerstroemia Waits
THE PURPLE LAGERSTROEMIA WAITS
Poem by Phạm Thị Hồng Thu
In April, the cold rain lingers,
Spring still holds on, not ready to leave for summer,
The Lagerstroemia blooms purple across the sky,
With a heart full of longing, love, and memories.
Oh, how it hurts to wait through the winter,
Spring fades away, yet summer still doesn't come,
Who still wanders, lost in their own world,
While holding onto a love that refuses to fade?
The purple Lagerstroemia sways, drunk in the long night,
The purple Lagerstroemia waits, while hearts grow weary.


10. Summer...
SUMMER...
Poem by Trần Hải Lộc
I carry summer through the streets,
The sun chases, tracing familiar paths,
Spring bids farewell, while summer sways drunkenly,
Old alleyways, the sun peeks through the curtains, casting a glance.
Summer plays with the breeze, gentle as it flows,
Leaving me with the fiery red of the phoenix flowers,
Wandering beneath the vast, endless blue,
The Lagerstroemia blooms, forever etched with loyalty.
The midday symphony by the phoenix trees,
The cicadas sing a perfect tune, "Sharp F#,"
The sunlight sways with the long flowing dresses,
Graceful steps lifting the scholars as they pass.
Summer counts the carefree waves,
Crawling up the shore, caressing the mounds of sand,
The sunlight hums on my lips, bittersweet,
The wind whistles, playing the tune of a kite's flute.
So peaceful after each evening’s sunset,
The sweet words under the moonlight, a touch of romance,
Summer is burning, yet full of freedom,
Sunshine dances while the rain pours down.
05.5.2020


11. Summer's Restless Echo
SUMMER'S RESTLESS ECHO
Poem by Nam Bùi
Look, the lotus sheds its colors on the pond,
The water hyacinths drift gently by the lonely shore.
Your fragrance fills the air, shining bright,
While I, like floating debris, drift along the current.
All I can do is pity summer, longing for the phoenix flowers,
Pity the cicadas, their voices hoarse in the summer haze.
The changing season tells stories you’ll hear,
Of a time when hearts were lost in longing and passion.


12. May
MAY
Poem by Phạm Tân Dân
It was the time when the white dress fluttered,
Shading the rays of sunlight, while casting a shadow on someone.
Carelessly, a drop of longing pinned to the threads of fate,
The summer morning was filled with the essence of youth.
Far from the warm nest of the Cuckoo,
Leaving behind the vows that slowly faded away.
The moon hung, restless through the long night,
The lotus pond stretched with its pink blossoms.
Clouds drift lazily over mountains and rivers,
Rowing oars anchored in dreams of the forest.
May comes, waiting with purple hues,
Love woven into the fabric of a student's youth.


13. Summer Dream
SUMMER DREAM
Poem by Hương Giang
Longing for a reunion to fulfill a dream,
Summer arrives, the sea thirsty for waves that barely touch.
From distant skies, dreams weave through memories,
The pen dances, casting verses that echo.
The phoenix’s fire burns through the heart, blood flowing in its wake.
Where is the chorus, urging a heart that waits?
The river reflects the moon, carrying love’s intent.
Longing for a reunion to fulfill a dream!

14. Farewell to School Days
FAREWELL TO SCHOOL DAYS
Poem by Hoàng Hôn Tím
I return to visit my old school,
My heart stirs with a strange feeling as if it was just yesterday.
Memories flood back, emotions overwhelm,
Those days of learning now bring a bittersweet sorrow.
I recall moments that poured out like a tide,
Parting ways, unable to bear the weight of sadness.
The fleeting moments of dreamy nostalgia,
As I gaze at the red phoenix flowers, stirring my soul.
Now, I wish for a visit back to those familiar halls,
To leave behind a mark, to etch my memory.
A simple hug, tight and lingering,
So we can reminisce once more about that farewell, dear one.
HHT 17.5.2020


15. My Love
MY LOVE
Poem by Khánh Hà Mai Lan
The garden blooms with a thousand flowers,
As you walk towards me, your beauty bright.
Your gentle presence, a soft caress,
Bringing the sweet scent of a life filled with passion.
Your love is sweet, intoxicating,
Like a cloud drifting across the endless sky.
Your shy smile, oh so pure,
Eyes glistening with tears, lips glowing bright...
With one glance, you stir my soul,
My love for you causes the earth to bloom.
When you arrive, joy bursts forth,
Like a thousand flowers blooming... You are Love!!!


16. Purple Lagerstroemia
PURPLE LAGERSTROEMIA
Poem by Nghi Lâm
Where has summer gone, leaving only the red phoenix flowers,
And the purple Lagerstroemia fills my heart with longing.
I remember when you once invited me,
Handing me a branch of flowers, a token of affection.
The girl with rosy cheeks, so beautiful,
Her white dress swaying in the schoolyard breeze.
My heart was full of questions,
As I gazed at the purple Lagerstroemia, wondering who stole my heart.
Summer, oh how wonderful you are,
The cicadas sing loudly, stirring my soul.
Writing notes, passing memories,
But you, my love, still linger in my heart, with tears falling silently.
Will we walk this path again tomorrow,
Or will we part ways, each going down a different road?
To let love fade away,
Forgetting the days when we walked side by side, full of dreams.
Summer is here, arriving too quickly,
THE PURPLE LAGERSTROEMIA BLOOMS, A CONSTANT REMINDER OF YOU!
Saigon, the evening of May 7th, 2019


17. Purple Flowers
PURPLE FLOWERS
Poem by Lư Châu
Your deep purple hue shakes my soul,
And distant dreams suddenly rush back to me.
In the quiet alley, I once caught a glimpse,
And fell in love, with you, the wanderer, who loves home.
The old days slowly fade to purple,
Each day drifting like water far from its source.
You locked the door to your silent love,
Trapping me with half a heart of sorrow.
A bird sings outside the window,
A cricket's sad song under the moonlight.
I long to soar again, like a bird in the sky,
But I'm afraid that sadness will erase the touch of your hand.
I wait for the purple flowers to bloom once more...
You haven't yet forgiven the one who loves you so deeply.
Love so strong that even gold can break,
Wherever you are, I wonder if you're still hesitating...


18. Oh Summer, How I Miss You
OH SUMMER, HOW I MISS YOU
By: Đào Mạnh Thạnh
Do you hear the cicadas calling summer?
The golden sunlight spills, falling from the sky.
The flame trees are brighter, their red blossoms grow,
As clusters of vibrant flowers sway with the breeze.
Do you feel May's arrival bring memories,
The old school, where feelings once stirred the heart?
The wind brushes past, touching your bright eyes,
As your cheeks blush, shy with the passing moments.
Do you remember the afternoons in the summer sun,
The flame tree petals scattered along our path?
The wind whispers, blending with the cicada song,
And my heart dances, lost in a strange trance.
I remember those days, the rush of exams,
The day we parted, as the blossoms faded away.
The sun seemed to slow, reluctant to let go,
As the wind sighed through the evening, full of longing.
Do you know the cicadas are still calling,
Longing for the ones they've lost, with aching hearts?
The flame tree still blooms, in golden sunlight,
And my heart beats, overwhelmed by the storm of emotions.
Hải Phòng: 29-5-2020


19. The Transition of Summer Memories
THE TRANSITION OF SUMMER MEMORIES
By: Giọt Mưa Thu
Do you know, when summer steps softly into view,
The flame tree blooms, whispering words of love.
The purple jacarandas light up the streets,
As cicadas sing their sweet, nostalgic tune.
The sunlight stretches, casting warmth along the street,
The changing season gently carries my steps.
I feel a tender breeze whispering by,
It brushes my heart, where memories lie.
The purple petals fall softly on your shoulder,
At the end of the road, flowers swirl with the breeze.
The sweet kiss of sunlight, soft on your lips,
Each moment lingers…
Holding on to the season of love… Summer remembered!


20. Flame Tree
FLAME TREE
By: Trần Nhuận
Oh, Flame Tree! You bloom in the heat of May,
Your red petals paint the summer days bright.
The deep crimson of your flowers mirrors the fire,
Filling the morning air with a burning desire.
Oh, Flame Tree! You blossom by the school gate,
Reminding me of my youth, the classroom days.
So many memories of ink, pen, and paper,
As the season of exams stirred my anxious heart!
On the day we said goodbye, your petals glistened in my eyes,
As I left for the army, leaving the school behind.
Standing by you, my heart was full of confusion,
Oh, Flame Tree! Speak the words I could not say!
The rugged path of duty awaited me,
But I longed for home and the winds of the afternoon.
Your petals, flying in the breeze, reminded me of her,
Oh, May! The Flame Tree, forever a symbol of love!

