Poetry on Mount Cam

As the sun sets, people from many places follow the winding paths up Mount Cam, in Nui Cam commune, to enjoy the scenery and listen to poetry on the first full moon night of the year.

Lantern Festival night on the summit of Thien Cam Mountain. Photo: TRAN HUYNH

The gentle mountain breeze carries the scent of the forest and the unique coolness of an altitude of over 700 meters. As the full moon gradually rises in the clear sky, the space seems to become a natural stage for poetry. For a long time, Mount Cam (Thien Cam Son) has been considered the "roof" of the Mekong Delta. This towering mountain, nestled amidst the vast delta, not only possesses the majestic beauty of nature but also holds many layers of historical and cultural sediment. Therefore, when the Lantern Festival poetry night is held on the mountaintop, the space takes on a very special meaning. The verses, echoing in the mountain breeze, seem to resonate further, touching the deepest recesses of the listener's soul.

The Lantern Festival poetry and music night of the Year of the Horse 2026 took place in an atmosphere that was both solemn and warm. A small stage was erected amidst a vast open space. In the distance, the lights at the foot of the Thất Sơn mountain range twinkled like a band of stars in the night. When the opening performance began with the lively songs and dances of spring, the entire space seemed to light up. When the first verses of poetry were recited, the Lantern Festival night truly began. It was a night where poetry became a thread connecting people with nature and, above all, uniting kindred spirits.

During the program, President Ho Chi Minh 's poem "Nguyen Tieu" (Lantern Festival) resonated under the full moon of the first lunar month. This famous poem was written during the arduous years of the resistance war, yet it is still full of faith and optimism. When recited in the tranquil atmosphere of the mountains and forests, the verses seem to take on a new depth, allowing listeners to better appreciate the beauty of traditional poetry and the indomitable spirit of the nation.

From that emotional thread, the poetry night continued to unfold stories about the homeland and people of An Giang . One of the most poignant moments was when the poem "The Day Uncle Ho Returned" by poet Ho Thanh Dien was recited. The poem evoked the image of President Ton Duc Thang returning to his hometown of My Hoa Hung after many years of separation. The simple yet moving and profound verses made many people quietly reflect, because it contained not only the story of an exemplary leader but also the pride of a land that gave birth to an outstanding son of the nation.

The poetry night also dedicated many quiet moments to everyday emotions. The poem "By the Canal" by poet Pham Nguyen Thach tells the story of a rural mother, of simple meals filled with love. These simple yet profound verses touched the memories of many. Even after the poem ended, many in the audience remained pensive. Perhaps, in that overflowing love, they saw the image of their own mothers.

During that poetry reading, many were moved by the poem "On the Old House's Foundation" by poet Tran Sang. The verses evoked memories of the old house, of parents, and of childhood. The image of the old house's foundation in the poem is not just a physical space but also a symbol of homeland and roots. Listening to the poem amidst the mountain night, people suddenly realized that no matter where they go, they always carry within their hearts an indelible realm of memories.

A unique aspect of the Lantern Festival night on Thien Cam Mountain is the harmonious blend of poetry and music. Poems set to music rise amidst the clouds, creating a very special artistic space. The song "Climbing the Mountain" by composer Dang Khoa, set to the poem of the same name by Cao Le Hong Rang, resonates gently like meditating footsteps in the tranquil mountains. The singing soars through the vast space, bringing a rare sense of peace, as if people are temporarily setting aside the hustle and bustle of life to listen to themselves.

Thien Cam Son Mountain is not only a famous tourist attraction but also a unique cultural space in the Bay Nui region. It is associated with many legends, historical traces, and the spiritual life of the delta's inhabitants. Therefore, organizing a poetry night on the mountaintop not only has artistic significance but also contributes to honoring the cultural beauty of this land.

Screenwriter Phan Thanh Vu, Vice President of the Union of Literature and Arts Associations of the province, emphasized that poetry has long been an indispensable part of the nation's spiritual life. From simple folk songs to modern works, poetry has always accompanied the history and life of the country. And in spaces like the Lantern Festival night on the summit of Thien Cam Son mountain, one can feel even more clearly the enduring vitality of poetry.

On the sacred mountain peak, amidst the vast expanse of sky and earth, poetry once again demonstrates its power: warming hearts and awakening the good in the soul. In the mountain breeze of the full moon night, the sound of poetry seems to linger like a promise for future springs, when poetry lovers will return to Thien Cam Son.

TRAN HUYNH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/tieng-tho-tren-nui-cam-a478514.html