An Evening of Poetry and Music – Traces of Previous Lives and Love Songs for the Homeland, Part 10 of a Multi-part Series

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce to you the song “Yearning for Past Spring,” which was also composed by the poet Supreme Master Ching Hai and set to music by Mr. Phượng Vũ. In this song, Mr. Phượng Vũ has respectfully expressed all his inspirations and insights he gained from Supreme Master Ching Hai’s poems, which he has put to music for many songs. “My sweet sister, do you ever dream of Yellow apricot blossoms by the terrace in past springs? I’m now in a foreign Land, so far away West, Missing all very much in my soul! My dear brother, do you ever dream of Silk dresses, brocade shoes, and red firecrackers all over the city, Young women, flowing tresses in the breeze, Leisurely stroll on emerald grass, tender memories... Last night I dreamt of my hometown, Seeing my brothers and sisters, so much to talk about! Beside a bowl of savory spinach soup, And lullabies melodious as the rhythm of the swinging hammock... Last night I dreamt and missed the past, Looking at the river of old, I remember the boats! How I miss the bamboo grove and shaded village lanes. How I love the chanty that rekindles memories of my younger days! My sweet sister, do you ever dream of, Yellow apricot blossoms by the terrace in past springs? Abound affection and yearning, Missing all very much in my soul!”

I am honored to return to the stage again to invite the poet Supreme Master Ching Hai to the stage to express a few words of gratitude to the artists and guests present today. “Because today is a great event, a very formal evening of poetry and music. And standing in front of many great artists, the brilliant stars of the Âu Lạc (Vietnam) poetry, music and literature scene, I am truly nervous and scared. I am not scared because of fear, but scared because of adoration, of affection towards the great artists of Âu Lạc’s (Vietnam) literature who are present today, as well as those who contributed to today’s program. All of the artists, musicians, and singers you’ve had the honor of listening to and enjoying are great scholars, the great artists I once admired so much, still admire, and will continue to admire forever. May all the artists and writers come to the stage so that we can admire them more! (May we invite director Thái Tú Hòa to the stage. Ladies and gentlemen, fellow initiate director Thái Tú Hòa contributed a lot to this program.) All these singers and musicians standing in front of you here are the people I love. In my home, I have all the CDs of these artists.”