Nostalgic Remembrance / Hoài Niệm

I came back here when the season has just changed.

Golden sunshine with red autumn leaves dotting the grounds. 

Digging under the rock crevice, a little squirrel

stored away fallen dried chestnuts for another day. 

I came back here when the leaf on the branch

still waving in the breeze in saying goodby to summer. 

A school of sunfish playing rowdily in the stream. 

Suddenly happy to see a shadow passing by. 

I came back here and sat on the rock. 

The forest wind carried the breath of autumn. 

Afternoon sunlight fell gently through openings between leaves.

The green leaf suddenly turned yellow. 

I came back here to the road of yesteryears.

Feeling lonely like a bird away from its flock. 

The old leaf trembled slightly at the treetop. 

Seemed like it understood the feelings in my heart. 

I came back here with so many memories.

Tears of sorrow welling in my eyes waiting to fall silently. 

a poem written a few years ago that was not yet sent

had already drifted with the current to the stream’s other end.

Translated by Vương Thanh, 2023