When I arrive at Ngang Pass, the sun has set low
Trees crowd themselves against rocks, leaves against flowers.
Several woodcutters stoop themselves at the foot of a mountain
Several houses of minority people scatter near a riverbank.
Missing its lost country, a heartbroken watercock cries
Calling for its homeland, a francolin tires out its beak.
Stopping here, I'm surrounded by sky, mountains, and waters
I'm full of emotions but I have only myself to share.
09/06/2019
NHIEN NGUYEN MD
Above is translation poem of the Vietnamese poem of BÀ HUYỆN THANH QUAN
QUA ĐÈO NGANG
Bước tới đèo Ngang bóng xế tà
Cỏ cây chen đá, lá chen hoa
Lom khom dưới núi, tiều vài chú
Lác đác bên sông, rợ mấy nhà
Nhớ nước đau lòng con quốc quốc
Thương nhà mỏi miệng cái gia gia
Dừng chân đứng lại, trời, non, nước
Một mảnh tình riêng, ta với ta
Bà Huyện Thanh Quan
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
This reminds me of the Tang poet Du Fu. Huts are nestled at the foot of the mountain, and trees crowd against rocks. These things are part of the landscape, and they have always belonged here. In contrast, the viewer is just passing through, so he is sensitive to a note of dislocation in the cries of the birds. The aftereffects of war are still felt in the loss of connection to land.
I am so glad that you enjoyed reading this poem. And, more importantly, for taking your time to comment on it. Thanks. Nhien