To Mother, On Thanksgiving Day
Hoang-Tam Hilton

One mother raised a brood of children
Six boys, sic girls all growing up equally.
Father's government salary wasn't much.
From early morning to everning, mother singlehandledly
managed to feed telves hungry mounths
By planting sweet potatos, cassavas, and aising cows, chickens and pigs.
At night she did the sewing, clothes mending, knitting and crochetting.
Watching them study, she turned up the oil lamp
Reciting folk poetry and proverbs
As lessons they should remember to row up decently
Reminding them not to be lazy or idle
but to improve their minds, skills, behaviors and manners.
Especially to study hard
For one must have an advanced degree to support oneself.
When they left to study overseas
Some in France, some in the U.S.
Coming up with enough money for them was difficult
She had to borrow here and there and withdraw her share from the tontine.
But all has ended well, thanks to the blessings of Heaven and Buddha.
Now her flock is enjoying a good life.
And can never forget what she has done for them.
On Thanksgiving Day, they're sending her.
This poem condensing all their love and gratitude for her.

H.T. (1996 Thanksgiving Day)
Vietnamese version, click here "Ta On Me"