Just Like Drifting Clouds Poem by NHIEN NGUYEN MD

Dedicated to my friend and colleague: Richard S. Pakola MD

I met my dear friend this afternoon.
We said farewell to each other as he departed from his office.
For several weeks, he was on sick leave.
The hospital arranged for his temporary work replacement.
He had to rest for his physical ailment
However, he has now recuperated.
It has been several years beyond his regular retirement age,
But he continued to work about thirty hours a week.
His five children live far away
But his wife has always been by his side as his soulmate.
Now being retired, he will have plenty of free time.
He can't wait for warmer weather so he can play golf.
As of today, Winter snow has melted completely.
Saying farewell to a longtime colleague, I feel nostalgic.
One's life span is just like drifting clouds.
Since we met the first time,34 years have gone quickly.
Now he has time to enjoy his golden years.
There is no more need to show up for work at six o'clock in the morning.
When it rains, he will stay inside the house.
When it shines, he will wear floating clouds above his head.
He will enjoy sightseeing and hiking.
He will share happy days with his wife for the rest of his life.

03082016
NHIEN NGUYEN MD

Above is English Translation of the Vietnamese Poem of NHIEN NGUYEN MD:

NHƯ KIẾP PHÙ VÂN

Tặng ban đồng nghiệp Richard Pakola MD

Chiều nay, tôi gặp bạn thân.
Gĩa từ phòng ốc, chia tay về nhà.
Bạn này đau bệnh, gần đây
Mấy tuần tạm nghỉ, cần thay người làm.
Bệnh thì phải nghỉ dưỡng thân
Nhưng mà may qúa, nạn qua bây giờ.
Tuổi hưu, qúa mấy năm rồi
Mấy năm làm nán, chỉ hơn nửa ngày.
Năm con, nhà ở khá xa
Vợ thì bên cạnh, đêm ngày có nhau.
Nghỉ hưu, bạn sẽ rảnh tay
Chờ khi trời ấm, sẵn sàng chơi golf.
Hôm nay, tuyết đã tan rồi `
Tạm biệt bạn cũ, lòng buồn mang mang.
Đời người, một kiếp phù vân
Ngày nào mới biết, băm tư năm rồi.
Thong rong, hưởng thọ trời cho
Hết rồi sáng sớm nhà thương sáu giờ.
Nếu mưa, bạn ở trong phòng
Nếu trời nắng mát, đội trời mây bay.
Ngắm hoa, vãn cảnh, xa gần
Vợ ông bên cạnh, cùng nhau hưởng đời.

03082016
NHIEN NGUYEN MD