Though life is fragile,
The Western cactus flowers still bloom in vibrant hues.
Born in 1950, Mai Han Hanh, a seasoned poet of Vietnam, lives in Dong Nai Province. He is a retired police officer. Mai Han Hanh is Member of the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association, and has published 6 poetry books.
CACTUS FLOWERS STILL BLOOM
(Dedicated to America’s west)
Farewell Statue of Liberty, Hail scorching west
I visit the Grand Canyon, America’s great wonder
Walk on the horseshoe-shaped bridge of glass,
Cast my gaze to the deep abyss.
On both sides, ancient cliffs lean into one another
As the Colorado River drifts – relentless – through the sun.
How majestic the way of this desert land.
A wonder stretching three hundred kilometers,
From Marble and George to the Grand and Washiffs.
Heartened by this journey through a friendly land,
Oh Nature, what a miraculous gift you bestow.
In the searing heat, large crowds gather.
Walking by your side, my heart is stirred.
The Grand is sharper than any painted scene.
Though life is fragile,
The Western cactus flowers still bloom in vibrant hues.
Human minds and hands have unlocked the earth,
Solar plants power Las Vegas with fervor.
At night, the flowers of electric lights blossom…
“The Strip, a flight of fairies” (*)
In casinos, gamblers sink into risk and luck,
The Mojave Desert, packed with tourists, bustles day and night.
Tomorrow we part, I return to my motherland,
Farewell to you, intoxicating Las Vegas.
(Las Vegas, May 2019)
(*) The Strip (or the Las Vegas Strip) is the most famous boulevard in Las Vegas, approximately 6.8 km long, renowned for its vibrant lights and architecture.
***
IN LOVE WITH THE FLYING PETALS
(Dedicated to the Land of Cherry Blossoms)
To the Land of the Rising Sun, I come
The spring sun warms and the wind blows full
In brilliant splendor, cherry blossoms bloom
Lost in this pink world, who isn’t drunk with joy?
A thousand kisses planted on both cheeks,
Petals flutter, dancing in the sky
I am but a traveler, graced by your gifts
Lost in a trance, oh wandering petals!
Why must we meet, only to leave me yearning?
A pale, golden longing lingers in my soul
Enchanted by the silhouette of a young maiden
Fresh flowers mirroring her kimono colors.
(Tokyo 2017)
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Read: Normalcy – Poetry from Vietnam
