Every spring’s arrival rekindles memories of a season of yore, wherein cherished images of one’s former home and loved ones are revived. All remain forever in our hearts as precious gems in life. “Oh, how I missed the thatched house of old! Mother, hair graying, gentle as the cooling shade of coconut groves, Father, dignified as in saintly kings’ eras, And Grandma’s tasty meal that warmed rainy winter!” Longing for one’s hometown only heightens feelings of loneliness in a strange land, like a freezing chill that permeates the soul. “I stand amidst a snow-laden Western country, Languishing for the grass by the breezy Perfume River! The Heavens pity and shed their tears, Adding chill to the heart of someone far away from home!”
Master: This poem is dedicated to the Aulacese (Vietnamese) people. I wrote this poem in 1979, when our people just came here. I was moved to compose this poem.
My sweet sister, do you ever dream about Yellow apricot blossoms by the terrace in past springs? I’m now in the West, so far away Missing all very much in my heart!
My dear brother, do you ever dream about Silk dresses, brocade shoes, and red firecrackers all over the city? Young women, flowing tresses in the breeze, Leisurely strolls 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...
Oh, how I missed the thatched house of old! Mother, hair graying, gentle as the cooling shade of coconut groves, Father, dignified as in saintly kings’ eras, And Grandma’s tasty meal that warmed rainy winter!
And sisters and brothers and the fragrant rice field And past adolescent love like a sad refrain! All swept away by the bloody river of war Dissolved in that evening of chaos long ago.
I stand amidst a snow-laden Western country, Languishing for the grass by the breezy Perfume River! The Heavens pity and shed their tears, Adding chill to the heart of someone far away from home!
A cold, rainy and windy winter has passed; spring arrives suddenly like a bright laughter, a joyful song, a bud of life that is starting to blossom. The essence of spring is ubiquitous, overflowing in the world and in the human hearts. Such beauty in the sound of laughter Our lives filled with blissful love Spring brings happiness to life.
Master: Spring has arrived, bestowing thousands of flowers into the world. Joyful at dawn, birds chirping merrily everywhere Such beauty in the sound of laughter Our lives filled with blissful love Spring brings happiness to life. In the sun rays spring is brimming Flowers swaying gently, smiling shyly with myriad sources of life Butterflies are enraptured in sweet love The azure sky is adorned A flock of birds soaring high, singing with glee to greet the vibrant sunlight Awaiting the returning breeze my heart’s tender like a symphony Spring brings joy, brightening youthful days Sorrow fading, love for life is overflowing Wishing for a jubilant, peaceful spring
When love is unconditional, unchanging, life after life, it is truly beautiful. Such love soothes one’s soul like a delicate melody, a caressing breeze, a poetic moonlight in an ethereal realm.
Master: Last night I dreamt of your silhouette playing delicate melodies The air was still as if lovingly lulling one into reverie Your hair softly flowed, the moon caressed the breeze Loving you, I sculpted music as your eyes gazed in the distance.
I adore your singing voice, gentle as a promise that fulfills all wishes I’m a forlorn pavilion and you the moonlight that shines myriad poetic thoughts How I’d like to say some words of affection My ice cold heart’s reluctant to convey long-time yearning.
I’ve promised to meet you from thousands of lifetimes ago How I pined for you through many incarnations! The music remains because of lingering refrains Where will your tune take me?
Resonance of your singing evokes longing in my heart In ecstasy, I remember your trembling lips in last night’s dream I want to be a cloud floating with the breeze Taking me to an ethereal realm of everlasting bliss…
Everyone has a “home” that they yearn to return to; it’s where their heart belongs; it’s where they will reunite with their true love. Only then will one find happiness and contentment forever. “Bring me away from my pain Bring me home to redwood. Bring me home to the autumn rain, Bring me home, where my heart belongs.”
Kerry Walsh: Yellow flowers, blue flowers, Walking summer in wild dream, Counting flowers, calling your name... Horizon far, rainbow stream...
How many miles to the West side? How many miles to paradise? How many miles to your heart? How many miles to mine?
Spring flowers, May flowers, Blend four seasons together. Weave all dried leaves in August, Sending to you in lieu of letters....
Lonely river, lonely stream, Walking winter in daydream. Counting snowfalls, calling your name Sun died on the hill for night Queen....
How many miles to summer? How many miles to spring? How many months for one Golden August? How many days for one Glorious Second?
Lonely mountain, lonely hill.... Finding Autumn in the chill! Sending the wind to Brandenburg... Bring memories of August the twelfth.
Rosenheim train, Rosenheim train! Bring me away from my pain Bring me home to redwood. Bring me home to the autumn rain, Bring me home, where my heart belongs. Bring me home, where my heart belongs.
