Tea Diary

(NLĐO) - I was originally the tender shoots and lush green leaves of humble tea plants, thriving in the sunshine and wind of the hills and fields of my Vietnamese homeland.

A scene of tea hills in Thai Nguyen preparing for harvest.

Every morning, I eagerly await the harvesters' hands, carefully tending to the rice grains, shaping them into sturdy, hook-like structures that tightly embrace the fragrant aroma of young rice. I was once saddened to know the bitterness, but then burst with happiness as the sweetness ultimately prevailed.

"Life is like tea, life is like water. Water can turn tea from bitter to sweet; how can one enjoy sweetness without experiencing suffering in life?" I remain quietly serene, then tenderly sweet, like healing. I've seen the moments when the workers on the construction site rested, their shirts drenched in sweat, yet they still smiled brightly over a cup of green tea, forgetting their fatigue. In villages and hamlets, people still called each other to the fields, bringing teapots of green tea to drink together. I rejoice in the bountiful harvests amidst the peaceful bamboo groves of the village.

One of the tea processing procedures at a cooperative in Thai Nguyen province.

I meticulously observed the solemn meetings, admiring the harmonious and warm working atmosphere among the various departments and units. I was deeply moved by the sight of families where generations gathered together. Beside the tea table, where steam rose, were the timeless words of advice adults gave to their children. My happiness multiplied in countless ways when I attended grand community festivals, and saw radiant faces greeting each other with fragrant cups of tea.

As I drink tea, I humbly understand even the moments of silence, the comings and goings of those who remain. Someone once said that beside a cup of tea, one feels a sense of unhurried tranquility, open and peaceful. I possess the patience and sincerity to listen to the heartfelt emotions of humanity.

How touching! These diary entries will be vast and green, exuding a pure fragrance. Vietnamese tea doesn't discriminate between rich and poor, high and low, or between joyful and sorrowful places. Tea silently and persistently resides in people's hearts like an ever-flowing stream.

(Entry for the "Impressions on Vietnamese Coffee and Tea" contest 2026, part of the 4th "Celebrating Vietnamese Coffee and Tea" program organized by Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper).

Source: https://nld.com.vn/nhat-ky-cua-tra-196260314165415602.htm