love will turn into resentment
Please read the amazing poetry.
A poem in Vietnamese by Thái Hạo
Translator: Nguyễn Thị Phương Trâm
Art: Đinh Trường Chinh
Baby
don’t cry
the barbwire will hold us up
teach us how to walk
hold on to every sharp pointy bit
how perfect it would be if our flesh were caught
I need the money to buy you a Sunday
coffee on a toadstool on the ancient pavement
listening to church bells
you could take off your shoes and relax
the chill of a hundred years soothing
through the pads of your feet seeping
.
Baby don’t cry
there’s a sharp knife in my pocket
ever since I found out the devil was scared of cold steel
hold on tight till the barbs pierces the palm of your hands
hold on tightly
the chasm
the resound of rocks
shatters like glass at the bottom of a dry well
.
I know…
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I love the line, “the barbwire will hold us up”, a lot because it is very true in a way, and multi-dimensional just like the shape of the barbed wire itself, I like how you draw the analogy of being caught on something, between caught on barbed wire like that of a shirt, and resentment which could be seen as a cloak coming from scorned deep love, this was excellent.
I like how the line “teach us how to walk” follows after this injury because the way the poem is arranged, it could be interpreted, multi dimensional as well. It read as if there was a lack of clarity about what will teach how to walk, the pain or resentment or the barbed wire itself or is barbed wire both? Or are you resenting her for having to be in the circumstance?
I like how the end of the poem speaks of strength through pain, I feel this deeply, and it something expressed by those who have known hard living circumstances. I guess what I am saying is I sympathize with talking that way, because I have done it, and not regretting it, there is something to be said about the strength that comes from pain of mind or body.
You have a very unique poetic voice. I loved this. Thank you for sharing.
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It is Vietnam poets, my wonderful friend translated. I love to read the view of other places. Their thoughts and lives, so far from my life. Thank you for stopping by.
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That is so cool!!! Very relatable, I was homeless, and encountered a lot of barbed wire, so I read that into it, but it adds to my liking the work because it is relatable in a different way. Thank your friend for me if you don’t mind for the translation. I loved it. Thanks for sharing it.
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The translator is amazing. She showed us a different world. When I was young. I had AWOL parent. For one year. I thought my life was difficult. I learn later in Africa and Bosnian as a soldier. My life wasn’t so hard. Dear Damien. We know. Life is lesson upon lesson. We are always learning and I enjoy your work.
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I have a great deal of appreciation for translators, such amazing people. I am so glad you shared this with me, I enjoy your site as well. Thank you for talking with me.
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You are welcome Damien.
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