Along the Thach Han River

I arrived in Quang Tri on a moonlit night.

The Thach Han River is as smooth as a mirror.

Lap Thach floating bridge, those who come home late.

The sound of the car was like fireworks.

Friends sitting here challenge each other to a Cantonese quiz.

Then listen, then guess, then laugh and cry.

On this side and that side of the Thach Han River

Paddle gently across here, boatman!

Gobies eat pebbles by themselves.

To make the fish heavier, to prevent it from drifting downstream.

My friend dedicated his life to literature.

Still, nights I weep for the river.

Illustration: LE NGOC DUY

Now the country is practicing for a military parade.

The provinces and cities are resplendent with flags and flowers.

My friend came here to sit and remember his mother.

Hands with calluses and rough skin

How many spans does Hien Luong Bridge have?

It took decades to reconnect them.

In Quang Tri, there is more incense smoke than wind.

Even the white sand used for worship is dwindling.

In April, the whole country flocks to Quang Tri.

The hotel is overcrowded, causing traffic congestion.

Blue shirt alongside veteran in military uniform

The bombs and bullets faded into the distance, and the pigeons flew up.

The cemetery gate is shaped like a five-pointed star.

The female student volunteered to join the army yesterday.

I silently watched the boat cross the Thach Han River.

For so many years, I've rowed very gently, my heart...

Huynh Dung Nhan

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/ben-song-thach-han-193053.htm