The Sea, Mother and Child - A poem by Ha Minh

ILLUSTRATION: TUAN ANH

Let's get through this wave together, my love!

As a child, I played the game of jumping over waves.

Gentle sea waves, carefree sea waves

Today, the waves are invisible and intangible.

The waves of the human world relentlessly sweep through life.

In the midst of turbulent waves

One more time, my child, please understand.

Not all games are fun.

Not all joys come as easily as picking a seashell.

Tears carry the weight of the ocean.

Sometimes we are alone in the undercurrent...

Let's get through this wave together, my child!

Even though my mother is frail and small.

Like a boat seen from a distant island...

My mother has a blue sky with clouds that can draw.

Birds, rivers and mountains, hearts...

There's a smile reserved for children from their early childhood.

White waves surged forth…

Mother holds child's hand

The fingers gleamed in the sunlight.