Compiled by family and friends from manuscripts left behind, "Spring Remains" was published after the first anniversary of Tran Nhat Minh's death. The first section contains 81 poems, reflecting the last two digits of his birth year, mostly written within the last 10 years. His poems explore various themes: places he visited ("Waiting for you on love hill", "Tay Nguyen"), family affection ("Brother", "Lullaby", "Life"), love for his homeland ("Homeland 1", "Homeland 2", "Homeland dream"), and philosophical musings ("Humanity", "Who am I?!", "The lone traveler").
Towards the end of his life, Tran Nhat Minh's poetry became poignant, expressing a sense of longing and premonition, while conveying his profound love for life and those around him. His final poem, "Letter to Mother, March", inspired the cover art by artist Tran Thang: "Outside the mossy window/ Time still flows/ Perhaps another flower will be gone/ Perhaps.../But Mother, please don't grieve/ Before the cycle of creation/ A sun sets/ For all things to be reborn!".
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The poetry collection, published by the Writers' Association Publishing House, was released on 10/8. Photo: *Courtesy of the publisher* |
The second section includes seven poems and four essays by friends dedicated to Tran Nhat Minh, mostly written after his passing, commemorating his joyful and free spirit.
Journalist and poet Tran Hoang Thien Kim describes Tran Nhat Minh as a multifaceted individual. In his poetry, he was deeply passionate about every word and the sounds of life. As a journalist, he tirelessly journeyed across the country. "I cherished sitting with Tran Nhat Minh, sharing moments of companionship, because there existed a different Nhat Minh, whose heart sang only of love and the meaning of life. Tran Nhat Minh belongs to the rare breed of poets who loved and lived fully for their profession and poetry. Even at his busiest, his poetic soul remained vibrant," she writes.
Poet Nguyen Quang Hung quotes the lines: "I lock Light and Darkness together/ A vast me sails through the waves/ Blossoming on my body/ Complete with two colors", suggesting that Tran Nhat Minh may have "contemplated the limits of time" or expressed "boundless imagination in emotional ecstasy." According to Nguyen Quang Hung, Tran Nhat Minh's poetry encompasses not only home and family but also profound reflections on life and humanity.
The final section features a selection of 14 songs composed from his poems, including five by musician Nhi Do. The musician remembers Tran Nhat Minh for his ability to compose poems even at banquets, always the life of the party, and maintaining a lively atmosphere during work trips.
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Portrait of poet Tran Nhat Minh (Khanh Van). Photo: *Courtesy of the individual* |
Tran Nhat Minh was born in 1981 in Van Dinh, Ung Hoa, former Ha Tay province. He graduated from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in 2003 and worked for several news organizations. He wrote prolifically but lost many of his works. During his lifetime, he published only one collection, "Field Songs" (Writers' Association Publishing House, 2018). In 4/2024, he passed away at the age of 43 after battling a serious illness.
Phuong Linh
