Wine of time, wine of the world - Poetry by Nguyen Viet Chien

Dear wine jar is about to empty
A few more cups and I'll be speechless.
Please drink chrysanthemum wine with me
As two friends, sad and passionate

Illustration: Tuan Anh

When happy, drink and clap
When sad, wine warms the human heart
Sadness and joy will all fade away
Sober, drunk, still follow the clouds

You're gone, I'm still here
Life is a short, sad sleep
Morning drops, sunset drops
How many bottles of wine are left in the pouring time?

We cross deep mountains and long rivers
Who will you drink earthly wine with?
Bitter wine white night drift
Warm wine of love on the lips, intoxicating

Tomorrow will return to nothingness
Please let the wine drop settle in the human world.