Rừng lá thay chưa / Have the forest leaves changed yet?

When I left, the forest leaves haven’t changed yet.

When you returned, were the forest leaves altered?

The old streets now seem distant and strange.

I wait in loneliness for the transitional winds to come.

In past Springs, our shadows intertwined.

This Spring, we both yearn to be by each other’s side.

Gazing hopelessly to a distant horizon, 

Longing has turned my hair silver-white.

Have you wandered through our old streets anew?

The cityscape now drastically changed from what we knew.

Half a lifetime without each other, half a lifetime wasted. 

Feeling pity for my exile, for our poor fates.

This spring, we are solitary shadows.

Do you still recall our past springs together?

Fingers stretch, counting each cherished thought

My love, awaiting the seasonal winds we've sought...

English translation by Vương Thanh, 03.2024