The Mountains Sing

by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai

Hòa Bình were the words carried on the wings of doves

“I don’t believe in violence. None of us has the right to take away the life of another human being.”

If our stories survive, we will not die, even when our bodies are no longer here on this earth.

Gieo gió gặt bão—He who sows the wind will reap the storm.

“People say mưa dầm thấm lâu.” Soft and persistent rain penetrates the earth better than a storm. I need to be patient with him.”

“If you bear grudges, you’re the one who’ll have to bear the burden of sorrow.”