Visit Con Dao to see the birthplace of the poem "Breaking rocks in Con Lon"

The poem "Breaking rocks in Con Lon" was composed by Phan Chau Trinh during his imprisonment at Phu Hai prison, Con Dao (Ba Ria - Vung Tau ).

Inside Phu Hai camp (Con Dao, Ba Ria - Vung Tau) there are many ancient banyan trees recognized as Heritage Trees. Photo: Lam Dien

In 1908, the patriot Phan Chau Trinh (1872-1926) was captured and exiled to Con Dao by the enemy. During his imprisonment in this "hell on earth", the enemy used many forms of physical torture, but could not imprison the spirit of patriotism, optimism, especially the poetic inspiration of the patriotic scholars... On the island, Phan Chau Trinh composed many poems, including the poem "Breaking rocks in Con Lon" which was born when the patriot was imprisoned in Phu Hai prison. First built in 1862, this place is considered the oldest prison in Con Dao. After being upgraded and renamed many times from Bange 1, then Lao 2, Cong Hoa Camp, Camp 2, the prison was finally named the Correctional Center - Phu Hai Camp.

Phu Hai Prison, the oldest prison in Con Dao. Photo: Lam Dien

Along with the prison system, the island lord's palace... in Con Dao, the Phu Hai Camp relic is ranked as a special national relic. At the far left of the camp (from the entrance gate) there is still the Stone Breaking Area. In 1908, Mr. Phan Chau Trinh was sentenced to hard labor. And it was also the practice at this stone breaking area that inspired him to compose the poem "Stone Breaking in Con Lon". The poem is written in the seven-word, eight-line form, consisting of 8 sentences, each sentence has 7 words, expressing the indomitable spirit, iron will and spirit of a hero in prison. The poem is included in the general education textbook program. Being a man standing in the middle of Con Lon land , Famously causing mountains and rivers to collapse, Using a hammer to destroy five or seven piles, Using a hand to break hundreds of rocks, Day after day, the body is preserved with ceramics, Rain and sun make the heart more steadfast, Those who mend the sky when they make a mistake , Difficulties are just small matters

At the end of Phu Hai Prison grounds is the relic site of the forced labor stone-breaking area. Photo: Lam Dien.

Having the opportunity to come to Con Dao, after visiting the relics of Hang Duong Cemetery, Van Phong Pagoda... tourists can spend time visiting Phu Hai Prison. Besides the ancient banyan trees recognized as " Heritage Trees "..., there are also many rooms that once detained patriotic activists and revolutionary leaders. After a few minutes of learning and calming down, surely tourists will have many new insights into the depth of the heritage and poetry of patriotic scholars, to love and cherish peace, independence... today.