Sacred memories and songs of victory

The poem "Memories of April 30th" serves as a bridge connecting the fiery days of war with peace.

People joyfully celebrate the victory of April 30th (archival photo)

MEMORIES OF APRIL 30TH
He wants to take you back to the land of memories.
Forty years later, the passion still stirs in my heart.
The whole nation is raising its flags and beating drums.
Celebrating victory after more than twenty years of fighting the enemy.

Flags and flowers adorned the streets from South to North.
Mother welcomes child, wife holds husband's hand tightly.
Joy erupted both on the ground and in the air.
The hearts of the descendants of the Dragon and the Immortal.

The area was swept clean, then the roar of cannons echoed.
Bringing peace to the lullaby sung by a mother.
Even though the war still leaves behind lingering smoke and mist.
Even after liberation, the losses have not yet been compensated.

But at least the battle has temporarily subsided.
May peace bring solace to the heart.
"April 30th" opens up a search for memories.
Happiness is found in blood and sweat.

Tell me your story so I can advise my children and grandchildren.
No sweetness comes naturally.
A soldier's life is one of constant hardship.
Victory Day has only just begun, the ship has only just "reached the shore".

HO NHU

In the endless stream of poetry about war and peace , the poem "Memories of April 30th" by Ho Nhu is a gentle yet profound echo, evoking unforgettable days in the nation's history.

The poem not only recreates a heroic era of war and conflict but also pays tribute to the people who made the victory possible. The work acts as a bridge between those wartime days and the peaceful present, opening a space for reflection, allowing each of us to pause, feel, and be grateful. The poem begins with a heartfelt invitation:

He wants to take you back to the land of memories.
Forty years later, the passion still stirs in my heart.

In the first two lines, the author evokes a sacred realm of memories. The phrase "I want to take you home" is not only the narrator's action but also the shared aspiration of generations to return to, and relive, the sacred moments of the day the country was reunified. The emotions in the poem are not melancholic but warm and profound, expressed through the phrase "still stirring in my heart."

Even though many years have passed, that memory still burns brightly in the heart of every Vietnamese person. From personal emotions, the poem expands to encompass the vast space of the entire nation:

The whole nation is raising its flags and beating drums.
Celebrating victory after more than twenty years of fighting the enemy.

A magnificent picture is painted with the sound of drums and the vibrant colors of flags and flowers filling the sky. April 30th is not only a historical milestone but also a celebration of national victory. This joy belongs to no one in particular, but is the culmination of the sacrifices of countless generations. The phrase "more than twenty years of fighting the enemy" evokes the protracted and arduous nature of the resistance war, while affirming the sacred value of independence and freedom. The picture of victory is further expanded with everyday, familiar images.

Flags and flowers adorned the streets from South to North.
Mother welcomes child, wife holds husband's hand tightly.
Joy erupted both on the ground and in the air.
The fervent spirit of the descendants of the Dragon and the Immortal.

The atmosphere of a grand celebration unfolds through each verse. From the lowlands to the highlands, from cities to rural areas, joy spreads everywhere. There are tears of reunion, handshakes filled with love after years of separation. The author doesn't let emotions simply drift away with pure joy. The poem shifts to deeper, more poignant tones when it speaks of immeasurable losses.

The area was swept clean, then the roar of cannons echoed.
Bringing peace to the lullaby sung by a mother.
Even though the war still leaves behind lingering smoke and mist.
Even after liberation, the losses had not yet been compensated.

War may end with a day of complete victory, but its consequences linger on. The "smoke" here is not just the smoke from bombs, but also a symbol of emotional wounds and unhealed pain. Even though the country is unified, mothers who lost their children, wives who lost their husbands… still carry within them an unfillable void. It is this confrontation with reality that gives the poem its depth.

But at least the battle has temporarily subsided.
May peace bring solace to the heart.
April 30th opens up memories, a search begins.
Happiness is found in blood and bones.

"Temporarily withdrawing from the battlefield" is a highly symbolic expression. Behind that silence lies immense loss, but also a longing for peace. Happiness, therefore, does not come naturally but must be earned through sacrifice, through bloodshed. That is the message the poem subtly yet profoundly conveys. The final lines of the poem serve as a message to future generations.

Tell me your story so I can advise my children and grandchildren.
No sweetness comes naturally.
A soldier's life is one of constant hardship.
Victory Day is only just beginning when the ships arrive at the shore.

The poem concludes with the author's whispered words and heartfelt sentiments. The poet wishes to convey to the younger generation that victory is the result of countless hardships. Today's peaceful life should be cherished.

Ho Nhu's poem "Memories of April 30th" is not simply a song praising victory. It is the voice of someone who has experienced loss and understands the sacred values ​​of peace. With its sincere tone, relatable imagery, and coherent structure, the work contributes to deepening the body of poetry about war and peace, a theme that will always live on in Vietnamese poetry.

LAM OANH

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/ky-uc-thieng-lieng-va-bai-ca-chien-thang-409732.html