Saigon Sunlight and Philly Winds

Saigon Sunlight and Philly Winds
by Jim Huynh of VietPhilly

Why did we even meet, to now miss in vain?
You returned there, I remain with longing pain.
Philly’s wind cuts deep—my skin feels the sting,
In Saigon’s sun, I search for your warm spring.

This Lunar New Year, Mai tree blooms fell fast,
As if they grieve for a love that couldn’t last.
The moment we met, my heart wished to vow,
But how, my love, when you’re gone from me now?

It’s your fault, not fate, no one else to blame,
I met you and was suddenly aflame.
Saigon’s sunshine can’t warm me anymore—
Do you know my life’s reversed at its core?

Saigon’s golden sun, I chase it in vain,
You left—and the light departed in pain.
I’m left alone under this poor rooftop,
How could you walk away, just let it all drop?

You may not know, but here I still can see
Your shadow lingering quietly near me.
I wander, search, but can’t find where you are—
Then I remember… you’ve gone back to her.

Love is laughter, sorrow, and slighted pride,
When we’re together, flowers bloom inside.
Bees and butterflies race to taste each hue—
When one flower fades, they flit to the new.

A girl’s body is like nectar in bud,
A boy’s karma: chase blossoms in a flood.
When one blooms bright, he’s tender and true,
But men—ah, they’re just bees drifting through.

VietPhilly
March 13, 2023