A collection of poems to welcome August.
Selected and introduced by journalist and poet Pham Thuy Vinh.
That's when the bustling world begins to change. The scorching, intense sun gradually softens, giving way to a clear, dry yellow hue. The wind is no longer burning, but carries a hint of coolness as night falls. The changing of seasons is not just a change in weather. It's a moment when nature sows feelings of longing and nostalgia in our hearts. Each of us has our own way of feeling this invisible connection of nature. On these hazy days, what aspect of this transitional moment stirs your soul the most?
Let's share moments of poetic inspiration on the threshold of the changing seasons with Nghe An this weekend.
Nguyen Doan Viet
In Autumn
Suddenly, the scent of persimmons wafted through the garden.
The clouds thinned at the edge of the beach, and the wind caressed the surface of the river.
The morning mist is thin and gentle.
The fading afternoon sun ushers in autumn…
Which alleyway is the path of the old days?
The person who left has not returned for several seasons.
Look up at the migratory wings
I know it's autumn again… and I'm back.
Which path carries the scent of guava?
The veranda at midday is bathed in the gentle sunlight, with grapefruit and pomelo blossoms scattered around.
I remember my grandmother washing clothes by the river.
It seems like winter is just around the corner.
Time flies like a bird.
A wistful feeling as autumn arrives, the wind blows aimlessly.
Suddenly I hear the rhythm of the seasons somewhere.
Drifting aimlessly with the voice that just resonated within me.
*****
Nguyen Truong Tho
The eye of the storm
(Written upon hearing news of a distant storm)
A few yellow leaves are falling here and there.
Dried flame tree blossoms, their colors exposed to the elements at the end of summer.
The season has just silenced the sound of cicadas.
The verdant trees close their branches, shielding themselves from the passage of time.
From a day of vibrant green to a shimmering glow.
The river flows silently, carrying the timid dawn.
The clouds descend to listen.
The midday sun's breeze lingers on the swaying bamboo shoots.
The eye of the invisible storm is wide open.
Low pressure systems and strong winds unexpectedly caused sea levels to rise!
*****
Giang Dang
August Soliloquy
Is it my fault, sir?
They come and go like a fleeting breeze.
Summer hasn't ended yet, but autumn is already fading.
Where is that hidden passion?
August arrives, bringing with it the rainy season.
Watch him wander down the street.
The sunlight wanders into a land of longing.
Autumn, when did you arrive?
Conceal your feelings in poetry.
Hoping to resolve all these wondrous things.
The dream doesn't return to the waiting harbor.
Just drifting aimlessly through autumn…
*****
Ngoc Khanh
Homeland
(Dedicated to D.N.)
Returning to my homeland, autumn has arrived.
Ten years later, the wind still wanders aimlessly.
Having traversed countless hills and mountains, through rain and sunshine.
I pity the crescent moon that has fallen at the edge of the village.
Returning to my homeland, autumn welcomes me.
Tay Do - a stone citadel, shrouded in distant mist.
Oh, the Ma River that afternoon!
A figure hurriedly disembarked from the ferry...
I know my life is still full of hardships.
And I too transformed into a bird of the sky...
The bar is empty tonight, I'm gazing at the clouds and mountains.
A tear still lingers on my eyes and lips...
Returning to my homeland, autumn has arrived...
The old garden has shed several yellow flowers.
"Still hearing the sound of the flute"* by the stream
"The mountains fall in the evening"* a resounding sound
*Poetic idea by NTT
*****
Tran Lan Phuong
Just one person
There is someone who is still called by name.
Before going to sleep and every morning upon waking up.
The one who makes our hearts seem ageless.
Even before we parted, the longing had already taken shape.
There is one person - just one person.
It encompasses all memories, joys, sorrows, happiness, and suffering.
Like warm fire and soft silk, like a summer afternoon thunderstorm.
After the anger subsides, the love grows even stronger!
When it comes to that particular person, my heart is not at peace.
Heartbroken by jealousy, which path led me astray?
Just a word of love - whispered by the wind.
A "Ting" sound... reverberating across the land.
There is one person - just one person.
It keeps the storm from ever subsiding in my heart.
Despite my hair turning white, the afternoon remains unfinished.
My heart remains as pure as it was in the beginning.
We wait for you and Thu... hold on... Thu
