Hà Đông Silk Dress / Áo lụa Hà Đông

Under Saigon's harsh sunshine, a sudden coolness comes

Because you wear the Ha Dong silk dress

I still love the color of that dress so much

My poetry still retains the pureness of white silk dress.

I remember you sitting here with short hair

While autumn lingers all around

My soul hurriedly sketches your portrait

Quickly presenting it, opening the door into my soul

For each occassion of meeting you, I’m happy.

Two days in a row fills my soul with joy

My student's poetry I molded into a hill

And your entrancing eyes turned into a glass of wine.

You didn't speak, but I heard the melodious tune

You hadn't looked, but the blue sky broadened

I looked up with eyes full of devoted affection

With my pen, you enter the enchanting poetry.

You suddenly came, suddenly left, I still knew

The sky suddenly rained, suddenly shone, for no reason

But why did you leave without saying anything?

I called you but only the sad echoes of poetry returned.

I was angry, and my eyes looking foolish

Angry at the letter that didn’t fully express my love. 

You left, words of remorse running on my lips

The days and months suddenly become heavy on my shoulders

Where are you, oh autumn with short hair?

Preserve for me the color of the Ha Dong silk dress

I still love the color of that dress so much

Preserve for me the poem of love with the white silk dress.

by Nguyên Sa

English translation by Vuong Thanh, 12.2023