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With a Compatriot's Eyes

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Translated by Andy Kale

 
By chance we met each other during the straying days
Your sad eyes reflected the homeland far away
My heart became tender like the immense silk sky
As if over our heads the moon were shining

You pitied yourself for the time of separation
Thorns and spikes everywhere greeted your adulthood
The dreamy age was not once as white as snow,
But disasters following hot on your heel.

Springs have dried and mountains have collapsed
For how many years, I know for how many years
Your voice embraced the spring and summer sky
It was too far to come back home.

In your eyes much thought and affection reflected
Our time was that of humankind’s
There was happiness in the cheerless laugh
There was chill slumbering under the crimson lipstick.

Nguyen Duc Batngan

Original title: Voi Doi Mat Dong Huong
From: "Binh Minh Cam" (Shrouded Dawn)
A collection of poetry written in 1975
published in 1985.

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