THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING

sometime after the stroke of midnight
I’m awake till four in the morning

on the first day of spring
through my window
the horizon lights up brightly
in silvery light

easy is the first day of spring
my eyes are closed
as I listen to the soft lullaby of the gentlest breeze

the letters sent in sleep finally reach their destination
in my hands just before
the resounding temple bells
as though resounding is the best wishes for Tết

the first day of spring is like a tiny white flower
each petal gently opening up in the moonlight
healing the scars of people everywhere
as they sleep and dream
the first day…