Poet Hue Thi: "Thank you, country, for peace."

Poet Hue Thi recently won first prize in the 2025 Poetry Writing Contest, held in Can Tho City to commemorate 50 years of Vietnamese literature and art after the country's reunification, with her poem "Thank You, Peaceful Country." The poem includes the lines: "I grew up knowing by heart the glorious lessons / So many fathers and brothers did not hesitate to shed their blood and bones for the day of liberation / So many mothers silently bid farewell to their husbands and sons, bravely going to the battlefield with love and hope / I remind myself of the price of peace."

A reporter from Can Tho Newspaper conducted a quick interview with poet Hue Thi on the day of the competition's awards ceremony.

* Through "Thank you, peaceful country," what message do you want to convey?

- Peace is waking up each morning without hearing the sound of bombs falling, without having to leave your home to flee war. You can go to school, pursue your passions, and nurture countless dreams for a bright future. All these seemingly ordinary things are dreams and aspirations in places still ravaged by war.

We are fortunate to be born and raised in a peaceful country. This is the result of the sacrifices of countless generations, of those who fell so that we could live in peace today. Gratitude is not just about remembering what was given, but also about living a life worthy of it – by studying well, living kindly, loving, and contributing to building a civilized and compassionate society. Because preserving peace is the responsibility of all of us.

With those thoughts and feelings in mind, I wrote "Thank You, Peaceful Country," and that's what I want to convey to everyone through this poem.

Poet Hue Thi received first prize in the competition. Photo: DUY KHOI

* Poet Huệ Thi is known for her collections of love poems with a distinctly feminine touch, but she also has many poems praising her homeland and country that touch the hearts of readers. "Thank You, Peaceful Country" is one such poem. Could you share a few thoughts about your inspiration for writing poems on the themes of love for your homeland, country, and national traditions?

- I write from my heart, from childhood memories in my homeland, from the historical stories left behind by my ancestors, and from the pain and loss that the country has endured to achieve today - a day of peace. Writing about my country is not only an expression of gratitude, but also a way for me to remind myself of the value of freedom, of my roots, and of my love for my nation.

I believe that love for one's homeland and country exists not only in momentous events, but also in the rhythms of everyday life – in the working people, under the clear blue sky, where innocent children carry their books to school. These simple things become a source of inspiration for me, helping my poetry to spread its emotions.

* Besides poetry, Hue Thi is also known as a designer and someone who contributes to promoting the national intangible cultural heritage of Quang noodles. But perhaps, after all, poetry still holds a special place in her heart?

- For me, poetry is not just a passion, but also a place where I can listen to myself amidst the hustle and bustle of life. No matter what role I play in the flow of life, poetry always remains the deepest refuge in my soul. This year, I'm also working on a new poetry collection, inspired by the cultural aspects, people, and cuisine of Quang Nam, the place that nurtured my poetic soul since childhood. This ninth collection will be an intersection of personal emotions and community identity, a way for me to tell the story of my homeland through the language of poetry.

DANG HUYNH (compiled)

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/nha-tho-hue-thicam-on-dat-nuoc-hoa-binh-a186652.html