Street artists

That cool evening, my friends and I gathered at our usual casual eatery. We brought our guitars and sang lively, enthusiastic songs of youth. As our "entertainment program" reached its climax, we playfully used the restaurant's plates and dishes as props.

Suddenly, from somewhere in the distance, a poignant, heartfelt voice began to sing "Duyen Phan" (Destiny) by composer Thai Thinh, so sweetly that I thought the owner of the shop was playing a CD. A young man, around 35 or 36, with a portable speaker behind him, wearing a black t-shirt and baseball cap, held a microphone and sang passionately as if he were on a professional stage. We were silent for a moment, and a few passersby turned to look at him with amusement and surprise. His technique wasn't outstanding, but he poured his soul and heart into the song, as if he were telling the story of his own life.

At the end of the performance, the audience applauded enthusiastically. I noticed his eyes were slightly moist, but he quickly turned away, smiled warmly, bowed to thank everyone, and began offering packets of coated peanuts to each table. Our table bought five packets, and he bowed deeply and politely said, "Thank you very much, sir and madam. I wish you a pleasant evening and good health." We felt a little embarrassed knowing he was older than us, and his gesture seemed overly respectful, but we also felt a sense of joy and comfort knowing that our small contribution was respected. It's a pity we never had the chance to meet him again or hear him sing.

During the 2023 Traditional Craft Festival, Nguyen Dinh Chieu pedestrian street was bustling with crowds, and a street artist with a humble and graceful performance style captivated the attention of the throng. He wore a traditional ao dai (long dress) and a headscarf, his melodious flute playing harmonizing with the Perfume River and the sounds of nature. Occasionally, a few audience members would approach and drop some money into a donation box, and he would bow in thanks while continuing to play his flute. A little child, given 5,000 dong by their parents, ran up to him, and he bowed in gratitude. I didn't have much to offer in return, but he politely reciprocated. That day, I was in a rather bad mood, but the artist's thoughtfulness helped alleviate my worries.

About seven years ago, the YouTube channel Mashable posted a rather special video that attracted nearly 17 million views: a thin, homeless man with long, unkempt hair and beard covering his face, playing the piano on the streets of Florida, USA, named Donald Gould. Gould immersed himself in the piano, seemingly forgetting everything around him. The clear, innocent, and joyful sound contrasted sharply with his rough and somewhat sad appearance. Donald Gould had previously played in a symphony orchestra and toured the world . He was proficient in many instruments besides the piano, such as the flute and tuba. But then, in 1998, his wife suddenly passed away, causing Gauld to fall into depression, addiction, lose custody of his children, and live on the streets. "Every night, I sleep under the stars, unless it rains," Gauld confided. Now, thanks to the viral video on social media, he has received a scholarship and regained custody of his children.

Three lives, three artists passionate about their craft despite facing many hardships. "Even torn paper retains its edges," they are like scholars wandering freely through life!

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