Launch of the poetry collection "Four seasons of flying flags"

Poet and journalist Huynh Mai Lien (wearing a white ao dai) at the launch of the poetry collection "Four Seasons of Flying Flags".

The poetry collection “Four Seasons of Flying Flags” is the latest work of poet and journalist Huynh Mai Lien, following the success of the collections “The Sea is a Child”, “My Old Days” and “Flying Over Hoan Kiem Lake”.

The book of poems was composed after her field trip to Truong Sa. The love for the sea and islands of her homeland inspired the author to put her thoughts into each page and consider it a small gift expressing her love and gratitude to the Fatherland.

Although aimed at children, the sincerity, simplicity and deep patriotism in each line of poetry still touches the hearts of readers of many ages. The outstanding value of the poetry collection “Four Seasons of Flying Flags” is to contribute to fostering love for the homeland and country from the souls of children, while spreading it to the community.

Poet and journalist Huynh Mai Lien said that during many business trips to Truong Sa, the stories, images and beauty of the place where the waves and winds blow, from the calm sea, the dolphins frolicking to the moment of searching for the moon at sea, left her with a deep nostalgia, urging her to pick up her pen.

"There were times when I was confused, not knowing how to continue, but the memories of the children on Sinh Ton Island and their innocent, pure conversations became a source of inspiration for me to continue writing passionately. From there, the poetry collection "Four Seasons of Flying Flags" was completed, as a message of love for the homeland and the islands to the children and spread widely in the community", author Mai Lien shared.

With more than 40 poems, “Four Seasons of Flying Flags” opens before readers’ eyes a special journey to Truong Sa – where small classrooms resound with the sound of reading, where childhood still blooms amidst the storms, where the red flag with yellow star proudly flies in the wind, depicting the shape of the country.

Through Huynh Mai Lien's poetry, Truong Sa appears both majestic and familiar, not only a symbol of the Fatherland's frontline but also filled with warmth and attachment like a home.

Huynh Mai Lien’s “Four Seasons of Flying Flags” gently tells the story of a remote island, pure as morning dew, simple as the rhythm of everyday life in Truong Sa. Through a simple perspective and a rich artistic sense, the author vividly recreates simple yet evocative images such as: a watermelon tree blooming and bearing fruit amidst the dry and salty air, a small dog walking alongside island soldiers, the sound of a rooster crowing to call the sun, or a warm family meal.

The Truong Sa soldiers stand tall amidst the storm, attached, protecting, and kindling in the children love and awareness of their homeland and roots. In particular, the image of the red flag with a yellow star appears many times in the poetry collection, carrying the meaning of connection, affirming sacred sovereignty and spreading national pride, critic Hoang Thuy Anh commented.

In particular, the book of poems also has illustrations by young artist Mai Khue – daughter of author Huynh Mai Lien. With a bright, vibrant color palette and increasingly mature drawing style, Mai Khue has illustrated many of her mother’s poetry collections and has shown early artistic talent in many fields.

The resonance between the simple, emotional verses and the clear drawings of the author has created a publication with great influence, becoming a bridge between generations of readers with a common love: the Fatherland. There, adults find pride and dear memories, while children are nurtured with their first love for the homeland's sea and islands.

Through the poetry collection “Four seasons of flying flags”, poet and journalist Huynh Mai Lien hopes to awaken in children the love for their homeland and country; from the beloved sea and islands spreading into attachment and pride for the Fatherland of Vietnam.

The work is not only a sentiment and gratitude, but also the author Mai Lien's desire to contribute, adding another voice to the sacred patriotic flow of the nation, so that that love can continue and shine through each generation.

CAO HUONG

Source: https://nhandan.vn/ra-mat-tap-tho-bon-mua-co-bay-post903504.html