I MISS YOU

IN THE YELLOW FALL

A yellow leaf – or, is it a butterfly? –

Has alighted on my shoulder this autumn morn.

I am going back, by myself, to the old path

And my remembrance dispels the haze lorn.

Pitying me, separated from the cosy abode,

You passed long distances to visit me here:

Our mother country is you, Ha Noi City –

Lotus tea, green rice flavor – loves so dear.

In the shimmering afternoon sun, you combed

Your hair that fluttered – the light girlish strand.

Thru the doorframe, I sat contemplating you,

So heart-warming as back in our homeland.

You came – those days just grew yellowish;

Now, fall has dropped dead leaves all around.

Missing you, even the river flow is desolate:

Then there, now far-away – just to confound.

Time spreads yellow leaves on every side;

Thinking of you I feel by sadness seared.

How I remember – in the clear moonlight

Being beside you, sister, my very endeared!

Translation by THANH-THANH