Thanh-Thanh NhuanLe Poems

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!
...

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.
...

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.
...

Phuong is still in me like in my dreaming years.

He that loves, his beauty how he heartily spheres!
...

I have not returmed to Trung Phuoc to revisit

My native land, for almost forty years since I left it
...

I began to cry on coming into this world here,

When life received me, anyhow for joy or for fear;
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I have now returned here where I saw you away

Nearly two years ago but it seems just yesterday.
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The clear blue lake reflected the love grove;
Away the snow-evading swans humans drove.

Defoliant sprayed on grass, why to cause hate?
...

This morning I called my name on my own

But it sounded strange like that of an unknown.
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On the FESTIVAL OF VIETNAM'S WOMEN, we glorify

Those who since thousands of years have not ceased to try
...