A Love Poem of a Soldier at Sea

by Tran Dang Khoa

I’m setting out to sea
The clouds are hung across the sky alongside the white sails
At the moment of parting, I walk along the port
The sea on one side and you on the other

The sea is noisy while you are gentle
You’ve just said something only to quietly smile
I’m like a ship assailed by the waves from both sides
The sea on one side and you on the other

Tomorrow, tomorrow, when the city is lit up
My ship will drop anchor beneath some distant constellations
Fathomless is the heaven’s depth, but I won’t be lonely
With the sea on one side and you on the other
Our poor country has never been at peace
The storm has yet to end amid the white funeral headbands
I will stand guard. Deep night. Isolated island
The sea on one side and you on the other

That heavenly dome may no longer contain you
Or the sea. Only me and the grass
Even then, I will still remember
The sea on one side and you on the other…

1982