A realm of affection

One day, while gazing at the endlessly flowing river, Confucius was moved and exclaimed:

A true swore oath is like this, never abandoning day or night.

(It flows smoothly like that, day and night without stopping!)

Once, in response to a student's question about the changes in heaven and earth, Confucius said:

- The Milky Way speaks of the heavens! The four seasons are peaceful!

(Heaven doesn't say anything! The four seasons still revolve in their own way!)

I suddenly remembered those words when I held Minh Hong's new poetry collection in my hands – the collection "Silent Time." Deeply silent, time relentlessly flows, weaving its way through the event-filled stream of history, through the heavy burden of fate, the joys and sorrows of each individual. Perhaps it's no coincidence that he chose such a thought-provoking title for his work. For a long time now, this year he has surpassed eighty, he has reached an age where he has the opportunity and sufficient experience to look back on the past, to reflect, to contemplate, and to appreciate the moments that have left a deep mark on his lyrical memory. For a long time now, he has reached an age like that of the Western poet E. Poe:The grains of sand of time suddenly turned into grains of gold."

Cover of the poetry collection "Silent Time"

From page to page, strolling leisurely through the "poetic realm" of "Silent Time," we have the impression that whether looking up close or from afar, to the East or to the West, we always encounter those glittering golden specks connected to memories of places he has been to, places he has been attached to, and people he has met and loved.

As a historian, always burning with a desire to deeply understand the history, the country, and its people, Minh Hong left his footprints in many regions of Vietnam. From the border region of Lai Chau through Tuyen Quang and Cao Bang, he went to Cua Viet, Quang Tri, down to Chau Doc, and then across the sea to Phu Quoc and Con Dao… He even visited the Yellow Crane Tower, where he pondered and wondered:

"Empress, where have you been? I'm coming here."

Towering buildings reaching towards the white clouds.

The Yangtze River bridge soars across the misty river.

Crane, or have I lost myself in this place…”

He was excited along with:

"Phnom Penh celebrates liberation day.

Black skin

Life's myriad flowers unfold.

The monks donned robes in the colors of Zen.

Statue of the god Bayon

The smile remains intact.

Reviving the nation..."

Associate Professor and People's Teacher Nguyen Van Hong, author of the poetry collection "Silent Time"

Reading "Silent Time," we have the opportunity to enjoy a collection of travel poems by a historian with a particularly sensitive and refined soul, regardless of the place he writes about in the country.

His poems are always brimming with affection. So much deep affection when standing in the midst of:

"Hang Duong Cemetery amidst swirling dust"

Thousands of graves remain here, shining with unwavering spirit…

...

History has depth and breadth.

Located within the soil layer…”

(Will you come to Con Son with me?)

"We arrived here under a clear blue sky and sea."

The red flag flies high, bearing sweet fruits.

Thanks to the pioneers who planted the trees before us.

Wishing you a happy and peaceful spring…

(A story about Pham Hung, a prisoner on Con Dao Island)

The heartfelt emotions are reflected in the verses of "Memories of the Border Region":

The lush green forest is up there.

The wind rustles before the bitter cold of winter.

Still vibrant amidst the unfamiliar mountain slopes

Resilience like that of a border soldier.

Oh, Lai Chau, a whole region of legends!

Every legend is steeped in the blood of our ancestors…

There were moments when I was overwhelmed with emotion while "Visiting the Le Loi Monument":

"Our sacred homeland, a stretch of border...

...

Oh, my heart is trembling, I can't write it down.

The spirit of mountains and rivers in heroic poetry"

In my opinion, the profound love for his country that poet-historian Minh Hong possesses is deeply rooted in his love for his father, mother, teachers, and all his dear friends and family.

"Surrounded by vast, deep green forests.

How many mountains did Father pass through?

There are many things to tell you.

Sending my child back home...

"I walk in the rain and in the sun."

Wading through life's hardships

Missing my mother makes me try even harder.

"Does Mother's heart rejoice at the golden stream?"

Recalling the "excitement of a youthful time" of her school days, Minh Hong remembers with much warmth and affection:

"There was a time like that for humankind."

Don't lose yourself in your youth.

I've been going all this way with great enthusiasm.

To be able to stand beside the Master

In the university lecture hall…”

Even when writing about a face "leaning against the lake's surface" that "captivates" him, his poetic tone is imbued with deep affection:

“…her face tilted slightly

He's not sure anymore.

Only your smile

"Beautiful beyond compare..."

(Beautiful from the side)

Minh Hong has a particular love for the color blue; blue has become a lyrical obsession:"Green memories of a green time", "Flowers and leaves sing - Sun! Wind! Blue sky", "Your eyes are the green of the Suzhou sunset", "Green eyes full of memories"...

"The 'realm of Poetry' in 'Silent Time,' as I perceive it, is a realm of gratitude and affection. Allow me to add:

A Realm of Affection, Deeply Green