A World Apart / Hai Phương Trời Cách Biệt
by Hoàng Trọng

Afternoon sunlight is fading

Sunset stirs my heart with wistful, faraway longing.

I will never, ever forget

the afternoon I heard you weeping ...  in my soul. 

Let’s gather all the vows

and return them, on parting, to each other. 

Tried to swallow back the tears

As I looked at my destined love leaving, never to return. 

Chorus.

We promise not to dream of each other

It only numbs the heart with sorrow.

One afternoon in late autumn

Suddenly, my heart fluttered with longings for my old love. 

The past is already long gone

Love  passes by just like a dream

O Wind, please send a few words for me

“What causes us two to live in two different worlds.

English translation by Vuong Thanh, 11.2023