You left, abandoning your bed chamber

Your fragrance still lingers, imbuing the blanket and pillow

Inhaling your old clothes and longing for your presence

You departed, leaving me without a heart friend by my side

Our love has spanned several decades

We had shared the ups and downs of life's tumultuous waves

I miss the scent of chili, and vegetable soup

I long for the rice you cooked as we waited to eat together

Sitting alone, chewing each grain of rice

Tastes bland, every bite makes my eyes well up with tears

You left, but within and around the house,

Your scent still lingers, stirring my heart with emotions.  

by Huỳnh Tâm Hoài 

English translation by Vuong Thanh, 12.2023