Phan Xuân Sinh

Song of The Defeated Soldier

sáng tác – thơ

Phan Xuân Sinh
(Translated by nguyễn đức nguyên from Bài Ca Người Thất Trận – damau #23)

be silent
you, the aged defeated soler

when your eyes become blurry, your footsteps weary
your flak jacket in raggedy
your pair of boots decayed to rot
little strength remained to carry on combat
to endure the contest
just sit still
feel the deep pain
that penetrates your brain
like a bullet in the chest
a direct hit
at the very end of the conflict

be silent
you, the aged defeated soler

your sword, now, blunt and rusted
your gun, old, its nozzle splintered
body parts scattered in every direction
and as your world lies in ruins
just listen
to half-hidden and transparent ghosts
floating over abandoned graves
sprouting all over the wide open fields
overlooking the white mourning headbands,
listlessly flowing with the wind during the refuge runs
ghosts of uncertain times, masks of apprehension
just sit still
calm your soul

be silent
you, the aged defeated soler

from within you, try to eradicate
the tough, sturdy
and straight barricade
in your heart, once fabricated
to find yourself
unconquerable
and even if you fell
stand up and be erect
once more

be  silent
you, my aged defeated soldier