Επιμέλεια: Εύα Πετροπούλου Λιανού
Essay: SOME REFLECTIONS ON THE POEM LIFTING THE MOON BY NGO THAI
- Introduction to the poet Ngo Thai and the poem Lifting the Moon
Ngo Thai is a contemporary poet known for his unique voice, he weaves mystical beauty with themes rooted in nature, human life, and philosophical reflections on existence. The poem Lifting the Moon stands out as one of his significant works, deeply capturing the splendor of nature and the emotional response of humans to the eternal beauty of the universe.
- The “Moon” as a literary and artistic symbol
In Vietnamese literature, the moon transcends its natural presence, symbolizing pure beauty, the serene essence of nature, and a symbol of nostalgia and dreams. It frequently appears in classical poetry by luminaries like Nguyen Du, Nguyen Trai, and Ho Xuan Huong, embodying profound and rich meanings.
In Ngo Thai’s poem, the moon exudes a surreal, ethereal allure – a symbol of yearning for the distant, the magnificent, and the mesmerizing.
- Analysis of Lifting the Moon
The act of “lifting the moon” is a striking metaphor, evoking the image of a person attempting to grasp the sublime and the eternal. This action goes beyond the physical, this is a way for people to show their feelings and dreams, representing human longing for things that cannot be reached.
The imagery of “lifting the moon” suggests an individual immersed in romantic reverie, striving to hold onto the fragile and elusive beauty of nature. The poem’s opening line “At the lake’s bottom, there was a fragment of the moon,” establishes an ephemeral and surreal scene. The moon’s reflection in the water seems to have “fallen” into the lakebed, signifying the fleeting beauty of nature and the transient nature of life’s moments. This “fallen moon” serves as a metaphor for life’s fleeting things, which we yearn to capture but can only witness in passing.
The act of the woman “lifting the moon” was so poetic “I reached out, lifting the moon from the lake.” This is a poignant metaphor. The action encapsulates the human desire to preserve life’s priceless, evanescent wonders. Yet, no matter how fervent the attempt, “Yet could never pull up the moonlight below.” This evokes a profound sense of human helplessness before the impermanence of time and the unattainable sublime.
“I pulled up years and months” delves into the passage of time. The author uses the image of “moonlight” to serve as a vessel of memories and bygone years. Despite all efforts, we cannot “lift” the past, nor can we revive moments long gone. The moon beneath the lake symbolizes cherished memories – beautiful yet intangible.
The two final lines “Wobbling, the moon sank into dreams/ Pulled up the longings without you” carry a wistful tone of melancholy and vague regret. The “moon sank into dreams” suggests the gradual fading of memories and emotions, much like moonlight dissolving in water. The woman’s longing is a feeling both beautiful and full of regret, knowing that there are things no matter how long one waits, cannot be wholly retained. This is the longing for a lover, a husband who has secrificed and can never return. It is an immeasurable pain that women had to endure even after the war had ended.
The poem adopts a gentle, melancholic tone. Simple yet evocative imagery – like “fragment of the moon”, “lifting the moon”, and “wobbling”… It makes readers feel the profound emotions of the character, both restless and nostalgia. The verse resembles a soliloquy about life, love, and time, evoking deep, lingering emotions and reflections in the hearts of readers.
Ngo Thai’s poetic style and use of language have many distinctive features. He employs simple, natural words, yet they remain rich in symbolism, creating a sense that is both familiar and mysterious. He refrains from direct depictions, instead employing the metaphor of “lifting the moon,” inviting readers to explore its beauty through their interpretations.
His style is tinged with mysticism, creating an ethereal space where readers can lose themselves in the tranquil and introspective world of his verse. The metaphor of “lifting the moon” also carries philosophical depth, reflecting the dichotomy between human aspirations and reality. The moon, high and distant, remains beyond reach, yet humans constantly strive to attain lofty ideas, even knowing they are unattainable. The lyrical persona possesses a romantic soul, enchanted by nature’s beauty and harboring deeply introspective emotions. We can feel the overwhelming emotions, the yearning, but also the profound sorrow of the woman under the moonlit night. A loneliness that nothing can fill, she can only stay awake with the moon, sharing her sadness with it…
The poem reflects the author’s emotional resonance with nature as well as the loneliness of the woman. It is also a deep empathy for the pain endured by women after the war. Lifting the Moon is a work rich in lyricism and philosophy, leaving a profound impression on readers.
The poem Lifting the Moon not only portrays a beautiful moment in nature but also conveys deep messages about the transience of human life, the appreciation of memories, and love. In particular, it highlights the irreparable pain of women after the war. The depiction of their sacrifices during the war for the nation’s defense is gentle and unpretentious, yet it evokes deep compassion for their suffering. Through this, Ngo Thai skillfully conveys philosophical reflections, encouraging readers to cherish the beautiful things in life.
