Thanh-Thanh NhuanLe Poems

We are still inside ourselves but it seems as if
It is only to render our lives wastefully stiff.
We have sworn to rush thro jungle, up stream,
But we have not had to require that dream.
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FAMILIAR

There are paths and persons known to each other
Since the couple began to date one another.
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There is an inheritance for me - somewhere,
The world has kept, of it for me to take care.
Sensing secure, I believe I am wealthy wholly;
Nothing to worry - Poverty is in dreams only.
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There's Sông Cầu! That span of bridge yonder
Brings me back on the past sorrow to ponder.
The coconut trees being still tall in their row
As if recognizing me, waggle to wave hello.
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I do believe - although on many an occasion
I put my belief in a wrong place - such abrasion!
People's mind is now deep and then shallow;
My heart only blames itself for being so callow.
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There will be a time we also return to earth;
Then why still fight over win or lose to worth.
The drifted soul, corpse will fall into shade;
There is no more resin when the leaves fade.
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I am so fortunate in my life to have you
with your rosy lips fresh as morning dew,
fragrant as just woken wild grass' scent,
to be hand in hand not stray in discontent.
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Well, what should I recall the sad stories for
While my heart is still full of dolor, why more?
How many of those old far-away so unkind
Alas! I haven't been able to erase from my mind!
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Thank you, my white-skinned golden-haired mother
Who are not of the same bloodline as me or the other
But you fished me out of the abyss a refugee errant,
Adopted and fostered me with the love of a parent.
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You gave birth to me while being destitute:
Potato or cassava doubling rice each meal to suit.
Salted egg-plants and peanuts since childhood,
I had got accustomed to the poor people's food.
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