Nguyen Do

RETURN TO CÔN SƠN AFTER CHAOS

It's been ten years since I left my mountain home.
When I return, the pines and daisies are growing out of control
My lovely creek and forest, I promised never to leave you.
Bending down to the dusty ground, I pity myself for betraying you.
Even though I'm standing at home, it feels like a dream.
There the war always continues; luckily I'm still here.
When can I build my new house beneath these mountains of clouds,
Carry creek water for tea, take a nap on a stone pillow?

LISTENING TO THE RAIN

Alone in a dark, silent room,
Listening to rain fall the whole night long.
The somber sound is a shock to the pillow.
Drop by drop falling melodiously, endlessly.
The sound of bamboo tapping on the window
And a ringing bell melt gently into my peaceful dream.
Mumbled some poems but can’t fall asleep,
Continually listening, drop by drop, until sunrise.

ON ĐỒNG SƠN TEMPLE

Because of my heart's unceasing loyalty to the king
I'm ashamed to break my promise to the creeks and forest,
But, after thirty years of sleepwalking throung real life,
A bird had suddenly called for me to wake up!