In the morning, I stand silently looking in the mirror,

Stroking my hair, it seems dew-laden.

Touching my face, it seems wet with tears

Suddenly, I know why there's sadness.

Suddenly I realize I am no longer young,

When did the springtime of life starts to fade away?

Droplet of tears lingering on my cheeks,

Drifting before me, in a haze of melancholy.

If only I could reach with my hand,

The mist on my hair and push it aside,

To reveal the blue sky with a bit of sunshine,

to see my homeland, even though from great distance.

Folk verses invoking sweet nostalgic memories.

Suddenly, I yearn to hear the sound of rain,

Tapping softly on the old roof tiles,

Flying with the hammock during afternoon breaks.

I silently think of my homeland and my parents

Where are you now? Where are you?

My hair has turned gray, my aspirations have faded

Perhaps like the dry leaves in the autumn forest...

by Huệ Thu  

English lyrics translation by Vuong Thanh, 12.2023