Memories stirred, as I tune a string instrument long untouched.

Burn the old incense and watch the smoke dissolve into emptiness.

Under the far sky, waves rise and crash on the shore.

Lying here dreaming, feeling indifferent to participate in Life’s games.  

The sea roars, the wind fiercely blowing.

The setting sun disappears, leaving me with a melancholic feeling.  

Sitting here, watching the waters rising and falling,

I tap my fingers on the boat and sing, hearing the days fading away. 

A hundred years of life is but a fleeting dream

The old scripture pages sadly reveals the marks of passing days. 

And just for me alone, this moment of earth and sky

Tilting a bitter cup of wine, I toast to the eternity of Time.   

by Trần Hồ Dũng

English translation by Vuong Thanh, 12.2023