Nguyễn Thị Phương Trâm | From my father to you son (180)

By Nguyễn Thị Phương Trâm

From my father to you, my son
Three generations in my heart
A river of sweat exits an ocean
tears run earthwards*

Across continents, you are made
More proud I, than a peacock
Pride of duel nations
Foundation solid granite

Feed from the souls of your fathers
Strengths and conviction
The spirit of hard work
Focus clear your future.

From those mistakes
Get up
In trials not made perfect
you will make the right choice.

No child nor nearer a man
Over hurdles and stumbles
I’m behind you son
My heart is warm with pride.

M (July 2013 )

*”nước mắt chảy xuôi” is a Việt saying my mother always quoting. “Earthbound are tears”; a mother never expects anything in return.