'Bright Torch' - Poetry About Journalism

The poetry collection about journalism and journalists, titled "Bright Torch," by journalist and musician Dinh Van Binh contains 50 poems.

Journalist and musician Dinh Van Binh was born and raised in Thai Hoa commune, Ung Hoa district, Hanoi . Graduating from the Faculty of Culture and Arts, Central University of Arts Education (2007-2011), he developed a passion for literature and journalism during his student years. After graduation, he collaborated with and worked at various media outlets; participated in communication work, wrote books on the history of the local Party committee, and served as a production assistant for VTV film crews. From April 2014 to the present, he has worked at the Vietnam Traditional Crafts Times (now Vietnam Traditional Crafts Magazine).

He has been involved in journalism for 17 years. His poetry collection "Bright Torch" (Vietnam Writers Association Publishing House, published April 2025) is his fourth collection, specifically focusing on the theme of revolutionary Vietnamese journalism.

"The Torchlight" contains 50 poems expressing the author's love for journalism and journalists, and 7 musical pieces at the end of the book. The more I read "The Torchlight," the more I see Dinh Van Binh as a diligent bee, making honey, loving flowers, and reaping the harvest of beautiful articles and poems.

It takes deep emotion, genuine love, and profound devotion to the countryside and its winding roads to express these feelings in resounding songs. Dinh Van Binh possesses a profound understanding of the profession and the immense contribution of journalists and journalism to the overall development of society. As in his poem "The Hardships of Journalism," he writes: "Through high mountains and long, windy rivers / Through countless hardships, overcoming all rapids and waterfalls / Filled with love and overflowing with vitality / Protecting the glorious homeland and country…"

Only through love and dedication to the profession can one distill thoughts amidst the hurried flow of life. I lived those days, contemplating and illuminating my thoughts on paper as night fell. Neither I nor Dinh Van Binh can count how many people like us have poured their sweat into writing. But because, when you love and are passionate about your profession, even if those tiny words become incredibly heavy, weighing down your shoulders, tiring your legs, and dimming your eyes, you will still smile.

There will always be those who uphold the principle of "Sharp pen, pure heart." They meticulously craft their pure hearts into writings and works, sometimes as soft and romantic as silk, other times as sharp and combative as steel. Thanks to this, some articles possess a strong fighting spirit and have won top prizes in national journalism competitions.

After carefully reading the poems in "The Torch," I believe the author possesses a torch of youth within himself.

Every country is nurtured by the hands of young people, those who were once very young. They are strong and capable. The journalistic community has many exemplary young people who are brave and courageous; they are truly warriors. In his article "We Journalists," Dinh Van Binh wrote, as if reflecting on the human heart: "Pride in our homeland / We grow up with the tireless energy of youth / Our keyboards type, our hearts hướng forward / Writing for life with aspirations for the future / Our footsteps are full of ambitions and dreams / Carrying vitality and boundless love…"

In any profession, youth is always an advantage. Journalism, however, requires dedication and the ability to "listen and see for yourself" to obtain accurate, objective, and truthful information. Therefore, young journalists need to "pack their bags and go" to explore and investigate topics of social importance and impact. Because they are young and certainly lack extensive experience, when venturing into a topic, especially a controversial one, they need a cool head.

Young people sometimes have very rosy ideas about journalism, believing it allows them to travel to many places, bring information to many people, and gain widespread public recognition. Only when they actually enter the profession do they realize that journalism is far more challenging than they initially imagined. But the more difficult it becomes, the more they are tempered, and the more they love the profession and are determined to pursue it to the end. Whenever they identify a new topic, they quickly jump in, eagerly setting off with their colleagues. The greatest joy is when their article is published, when the lives of those in need of community support and hidden cases are brought to light.

Journalism is a glorious profession. That glory shines through every step of development, as journalism accompanies the people's prosperous lives. For the past 100 years, countless journalists have braved the battlefields of bloodshed and hardship, where the people suffered. Many journalists simultaneously wielded weapons and pens to "overthrow the regime," contributing to the revolution and driving out the enemy. Many journalists heroically sacrificed their lives on the battlefield. They have contributed their names to the annals of history, beautifying the paths of the future and the lush green forests of today.

Continuing that tradition, generations of journalists today and in the future will still embrace the mindset : "Every article reflects a heartfelt desire / Every news item embodies a yearning for greater achievements." Only in this way can the dreams of those from humble lives in remote corners of the world, in deep forests and dangerous lands, be known, appreciated, and given the opportunity to contribute.

The 100-year journey of Vietnamese revolutionary journalism is truly something to be proud of. Poems about the profession, the passion for the job, and the journalistic journeys of Dinh Van Binh and his colleagues are being explored in "The Bright Torch."

I, and perhaps many other journalists and readers, will find ourselves reflected in Dinh Van Binh's poetry. We recognize that countless journalists have set out on journeys, leaving their mark with their pens in remote, isolated lands or in urban life, writing songs about their times. Their lives are not just about journeys, but more than that, a sacred mission.

NGUYEN VAN HOC

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/duoc-sang-tho-ve-nghe-bao-413784.html