Ho Xuan Huong poems

Ho Xuan Huong(1772 - 1822 / Ngh? An Province)

The Jackfruit

- by Ho Xuan Huong 22

I am like a jackfruit on the tree.
To taste you must plug me quick, while fresh:
the skin rough, the pulp thick, yes,
but oh, I warn you against touching --
the rich juice will gush and stain your hands

Translated by Nguyen Ngoc Bich

Anonymous submission.

Spring-Watching Pavilion

- by Ho Xuan Huong 20

A gentle spring evening arrives
airily, unclouded by worldly dust.

Three times the bell tolls echoes like a wave.
We see heaven upside-down in sad puddles.

Love's vast sea cannot be emptied.
And springs of grace flow easily everywhere.

Where is nirvana?
Nirvana is here, nine times out of ten.