"Mountain Shadows" - A poetic memory of a time of bombs and bullets.

The poetry collection "Shadows of the Mountains" by poet and veteran Nguyen Van A, released on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2026), is a collection of poetic memories about a time of bombs and bullets, and also a tribute to those who dedicated their youth to the independence and freedom of the Fatherland.

Born into a poor family and raised during wartime, Nguyen Van A enlisted in 1971 and fought directly on the Quang Tri battlefield, later on the southwestern and northern border fronts, contributing to the protection of national sovereignty .

Nearly three decades in the military, along with time in journalism, provided Nguyen Van A with a rich foundation of experience. From this, poetry came to him as an intrinsic need, a return, a dialogue with himself and with the past.

The poetry collection "Mountain Shadows" by poet and veteran Nguyen Van A. Photo: T. Phuong

The poetry collection "Mountain Shadows," published by the Literature Publishing House, is the second collection by author Nguyen Van A, comprising 96 poems structured into three parts: "Nostalgia," "Waiting for Spring," and "Mountain Shadows." The "Nostalgia" section is where memories of youth, love, and war intertwine.

The section "Waiting for Spring" expands the scope to encompass human lives, especially women, with their silent sacrifices. In the section "Mountain Shadows," the poetic tone becomes more tranquil, contemplative, and focuses on enduring values ​​such as homeland, country, mother, comrades, and history.

Throughout the poetry collection are memories of war and love. The artistic space unfolds in a deeply traditional style with familiar symbols such as pomelo blossoms, rice flowers, and lamps… expressed in a simple, heartfelt, and meaningful poetic voice, contributing to the portrayal of war memories and human values ​​during those historical years.

Poet and veteran Nguyen Van A is deeply committed to honoring the past. Photo: T. Phuong

In "Mountain Shadows," readers not only encounter a lifetime but also recognize the reflection of a generation, an era, where individual destinies merge into the grand current of national history. Colonel and poet Mai Nam Thắng observes that Nguyễn Văn Á's poetry is, first and foremost, the poetry of memory – a continuous stream of nostalgia, with the past, war, family, homeland, and love intertwined as the main source of inspiration.

The author stated that all proceeds from the sale of the poetry collection "Mountain Shadows" will be used to organize a memorial service for 2,500 martyrs of Regiment 27 and nearly 1,000 martyrs of Ai Tu commune ( Quang Tri province ) on the occasion of the War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 2026). This is a deeply humane gesture towards the fallen soldiers, many of whose remains have yet to be found.

Poet and veteran Nguyen Van A was also directly involved in campaigning for the construction of the Memorial Area for 2,500 martyrs of the 27th Regiment in Quang Tri. This project serves as a place of worship and a space for preserving and passing on memories to future generations.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/bong-nui-ky-uc-bang-tho-ve-mot-thoi-bom-dan-747671.html