When discussing the intricacies of love, Vietnam's top poets often rely on the imagery of their homeland's natural beauty. Epic coastlines, fragrant spring days, and tantalizing fruits symbolize a deeply romantic connection between two lovers. Despite being from different ages and backgrounds, the poetry of Xuan Quynh, Xuan Dieu, and Ho Xuan Huong celebrates love as both a powerful force but also as something delicate and worth treasuring, much like a fragile ecosystem.

For this Valentine's Day, meet your lover under the cool shade of the banyan tree and let the romantic words of talented Vietnamese poets set the mood.

"Waves" by Xuan Quynh

Born in 1942, Xuan Quynh, is one of the most prominent Vietnamese female poets of the 20th century. From an early age, she expressed a fascination with the arts. At 14 years old, the Ha Dong native was a professionally trained dancer and performed in venues across the world. Like many creatives, travel at such a young age inspired her to be wiser beyond her years. Xuan Quynh graduated from the Vietnam Writer's Association in 1964 where quickly received praise for her poetry. Three years later, Xuan Quynh would return to the institution to become a member of its executive committee. On a field trip to Thai Binh province, she penned one of Vietnam's most famous modernist poems, "Waves."

Xuan Quynh and her cheery smile.

Rich in emotion, "Waves" symbolizes mighty, boundless love.

By comparing the endless crashing waves to love, the feeling takes on a more eternal meaning. Xuan Quynh points out there is no point of origin for waves (ex. The waves must come from the wind. And I wonder where the wind comes from?). It's as if these strong feelings were always a constant within her, waiting to be unleash in a flood of passion. Time passes but waves still lap against the shore and Xuan Quynh's love remains.

Xuan Quynh and her growing family were tragically killed in a car accident in 1988. However, her words are still meaningful to the Vietnamese as her poetry is still taught in literature courses across the country. In fact, "Waves" was part of the nation's high school graduation exam in 2021.

The romantic coasts of Vietnam provided plenty of inspiration for Xuan Quynh. Photo by Glen MacDonald.

"Haste" by Xuan Dieu

Xuan Dieu is also known as Vietnam's King of Love Poems. The talented writer was a major player in the New Poetry Movement, or Thơ-mới, which began in the 1930s. Growing up under French rule, Xuan Dieu had plenty of exposure to French poetry which differed from the more traditional Vietnamese poetry at the time. This new way of writing, which used the modern Vietnamese alphabet, allowed for more self-expression, allowing for Xuan Dieu's distinctive voice to fully take shape.

Xuan Dieu, Vietnam's king of love poems.

In 1938, Xuan Dieu wrote "Vội Vàng" or "Haste." The poem conveys two juxtaposing emotions; the sweet bliss of young love and the anxious fear of losing it.

While written almost a century ago, the poem reflects on a tension still felt by lovers today. Romantic feelings at young age have the ability to both inspire and terrify. While life at that time may be delightful, there is a creeping fear of losing the charms of youth. Thankfully, Xuan Dieu prescribes a simple remedy in his writing; spend time with your lover, enjoy the moment, and "indulge in the butterflies of love."

Enjoying a blissful spring day in Hanoi. Photo by Glen MacDonald.

"The Jackfruit" and "Day and Night" by Ho Xuan Huong

Before the 20th century, themes of love were quite rare in Vietnamese literature. Ho Xuan Huong, born during the Lê dynasty, is the talented exception. As a single woman, Ho Xuan Huong resisted social pressures and used her writing to advocate for women's empowerment. Unlike the Confucian views of the time, Ho Xuan Huong wrote honestly about relationships, detailing the sexual and sensual nature of love. In fact, Xuan Dieu dubbed her the Queen of Nôm Poetry.

Ho Xuan Huong - the Queen of Nôm Poetry.

Perhaps her poem "The Jackfruit" is her most sexually-explicit.

The double entendre is obvious yet her poem is quite revolutionary for being written at such a conservative time. Instead of painting Vietnamese women as chaste creatures, Ho Xuan Huong's sex-positive writing portrays them with some dimensionality.

The "Queen of Nôm Poetry" does not only write about erotic themes. In another poem, "Day and Night," Ho Xuan Huong displays her talents for sensual writing.

In only a couple of words, Ho Xuan Huong is able to showcase the cozy intimacy of simply being with one's lover. Be it over a meal, sitting together on a park bench, or lying in bed without a care in the world, spending time with your sweetheart can feel like the ultimate disappearing act. To escape the hectic nature of the modern world, you only need to look into the eyes of your partner and feel the warmth of their loving body.

Lovers in Tay Ho admire each other under a heavenly sunset. Photo by Glen MacDonald.

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