The Love of Centuries is a poetry collection composed by Supreme Master Ching Hai that conveys love and the resonance of a soul sympathetic with human lives and the fates of all humble, fragile co-inhabitants. In this uncertain river of life, Supreme Master Ching Hai feels a deep concern for humans’ plight. Her poems also include earnest prayers for humanity to soon awaken to the True Self, to the benevolent and noble lifestyle, and to face reality, thereby transforming our planet into Heaven on Earth, where humans and all co-inhabitants can live in peace and harmony.
Today, it is an honor to present a selection of poems from “Part 1: Youth and Love for the Homeland” from the book “Love of Centuries,” by Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan), detailing the beauty of nature and appreciation for good friends, as well as the anguish and cruelty of war.
Part 1: Youth and Love for the Homeland
My Home (Nhà Tôi) “My cozy little home perches on the hillside Soothing breeze and gentle clouds draped amidst the sky Fragrant flowers and grass so green perfume the air Pine trees hum enchantingly to the dance of moon goddesses fair. Butterflies frolic in the scented garden Flowers adorning tender branches Pink, yellow, crimson, violet, peach O, so aromatic, all the way to the Heavens! Radiantly the moon glows on the green peak Borne on the air a song of peace Golden melody rises with the wind Into the clear sky, so soothing. The forest path, intimate as an embrace Enfolding your dainty steps, lifting dreamy days In the distance the ocean chimes in poetry Singing with me on this eve of fantasy. In spring, wild flowers blanket the mountain In summer, cicadas croon to a sweet reverie In autumn, canary-colored leaves embroider the window In winter, flames sing cheerfully in the warm fire. All four seasons, flowers bloom in my heart Everywhere clouds approach in greeting Loving friends make the heart grow fonder Animals and birds mingle like close acquaintances! Bring out the moon-shaped lute Sound a delightful musical chord Spirit soars with the notes of love Joyful heart follows the music’s rhythm. Tra la la fa la Fa la la tra la Tra la la fa la Fa la la tra la.”
Nostalgic Summer (Hạ Nhớ) “Do you recall one early summer Royal poincianas filled the sky like the lifeblood of youth Strolling with classmates in the schoolyard Lingering at the moment of farewell, alas! Half in gladness, half hesitating in parting A pink blossom to adorn each other’s hair, our expression of affection! After the dust trails of departures, a long hundred days follow Cicadas chorus in sorrow like our heartfelt adieu. You depart for the fertile fields and blue-green waters Where streams and lakes chorus to greet acquaintances On a ferry, I cross the grand river Returning to the small village where there’s mother and the cassavas. Brother’s ship travels across the azure ocean and white sand Willow trees weave a tender melodious song Sister’s car enters the highlands Where mountain clouds shade an enchanting smile... I remain here in the windy and dusty city Counting withering flowers while waiting for the summer sunlight to fade Waiting for a hundred days, waiting anew for a warm embrace Waiting to stroll under the school’s shaded terrace. Don’t forget, my dear, our days of joy Good friends, honored teachers, and cherished relations. The golden breeze scatters red poincianas all around the walls And in my heart, the days and months silently fall... Yearning so deep like the desolate schoolyard A hundred days of longing is like a century silently passing by!”
On a Day (Một Ngày) “On leave from school one day With dad I went to visit our home village The familiar bus of old Along the levee it rolled. Redolent rice on both sides Golden waves in the rosy sunlight A house here, a red-tiled roof there Rose apples and mangoes filled the yards. A spotted dog crawled after the bus Tail fanning in the summer wind Red dust rising well beyond the trail A bamboo grove blurred in the distant field... A herd of aged water buffaloes bewildered Toward the road they gazed A flock of storks gliding with such grace Above the rich horizonless field. A pair of brown oxen tried with all their might Pulling bales of yellow hay Dragging a squeaky cart so heavy Slowly carrying the load of time. Passing by the ridge of a silvery mountain The high wind imbued with fragrance! Hundreds of alpine flowers scattered Pink orchids and violet myrtles Then across the pier we went Playful waves rippled to the shore Aquatic lilies gently caressed the oars Water hyacinths floated here and there... Every time the bus made a stop Friendly vendors bustled about Offering fresh bananas, sweet tangerines And crunchy ambarellas, pickled in licorice! Fried doughnuts and glutinous rice cakes Steamed corn-on-the-cob and roasted peanuts Coconut and sugarcane juices So fragrant, the seasons of my village! Several brawny workers Carried goods on their shoulders Travelers rushed all around Bustling as in New Year days The bus was rolling steadily Passengers conversing, loud and happy When suddenly the sky shattered and the earth heaved Atop each other everyone heaped! The bus exploded into smithereens The driver, his head flew off One passenger with body in pieces Another with a leg by the bridge! A woman and her baby unborn Gasping for breath in a puddle of red blood Two innocent toddlers Drowned and lost in the deep river! An elder with hair all white In her hands still a pot of betel Yet her spirit has vanished To who knows where it goes?!... With three other survivors My dad held his wound A stream of blood slowly dripped As he feebly pulled himself along the road!...”
