WISHES
I
only wish
You
were a flower:
I
pin you on my pocket, close to my heart,
To
cherish your fragrance; above all you tower.
I
only wish
You
were dew:
On
my long road, in unfavorable weather,
I
am wet with frost; I bathe in you.
I
only wish
You
were a bird:
I
take with me the litte pretty pet
To
have your sweet love songs always heard.
I
only wish
You
were the muse:
I
adore the masterpieces,
Passion
for you into all my youth to infuse.
But,
darling, I am so afraid!
If you were
A
flower: crowds would feast their eyes upon you!
Frost:
folks would venture into wind and dew!
A
bird: spreading your wings, high sky to recover,
You
would fly off and quit this lover!
Poetry:
you are the outstanding verse,
I
am not able to broider with words too terse,
Although
I dote on you with all my heart!
And
thus, I yield to your trend.
Do your part!
My
joys of life on you depend...
Vietnamese poem by VÕ ĐÌNH TIÊN
English translation by THANH-THANH