The Vietnamese proverb “Em Dem Troi Nguyen Si Kha” means “You Bring the Sky” in English. The concept of having someone who makes you feel alive and cheerful even in the darkest moments is conveyed by this lyrical word. It is also the title of a poem by well-known Vietnamese poet Nguyen Si Kha, whose book Rainy Day Memories was released in 2023. We’ll discuss the meaning and sources of inspiration for both this line and the poem, and I’ll also share some of my personal experiences from rainy days.
The Meaning of Em Dem Troi Nguyen Si Kha
In Vietnamese, Em Dem Troi Nguyen Si Kha directly translates to “Nguyen Si Kha’s You Bring the Sky.” It is supposed to be interpreted as a metaphor expressing his love and adoration for someone, not to be taken literally. Nguyen Si Kha is well-known for his melodic and rhythmic manner, his expressive and alluring voice, and his romantic and lyrical lyrics. He inspires and enchants many people with his writings on love, life, nature, and dreams. For people who are depressed, despondent, or feel smothered, his writings are like a breath of fresh air.
Em Dem Troi Nguyen Si Kha also conveys the idea that he is a dedicated and passionate person who gives his best to his partner. He doesn’t give a damn about the difficulties or problems life hands him as long as his significant other is by his side. Even if expressing his sentiments and emotions makes him appear weak or unsophisticated, he doesn’t hesitate to do so. Despite the grim and unforgiving reality, he is a person of light and optimism.
The Inspiration Behind the Poem Em Dem Troi
- Nguyen Si Kha’s collection Rainy Day Memories, which was released in February 2023, includes the poetry of Em Dem Troi. There are twenty poems in the book; all of them are based on various rain-related memories or experiences. A soggy evening in Saigon, when Nguyen Si Kha met the love of his life, served as the inspiration for the poem Em Dem Troi.
- Nguyen Si Kha claims that as he was reading a book in a café, he noticed a female sitting by herself at a corner table. He could sense the loneliness and sadness in her countenance. He decided to go up to her and asked if he might go with her. She accepted, and they exchanged words. He sensed a spark of inquiry and desire as they conversed, and he knew he had discovered his soul mate.
- When he inquired what her name was, she replied, “Mai.” When he inquired about her whereabouts, she replied that she was waiting on someone who had never materialized. She replied yes when he asked if he could make her feel better. Leading her to the dance floor, he grasped her hand. He had a rush of happiness and delight as they danced to the sound of the rain.
- That evening, he composed the poem Em Dem Troi as a token of his appreciation and love for her. He wrote about how she made his life seem like the sky and how he wished he could spend all of his time with her. He wrote about how grateful he was to have met her and how she was his light in the dark. In his letter, he expressed his hope that she shared his feelings and his excitement for their future meeting.
The Reception of the Poem Em Dem Troi
First published as the first poem in the anthology Rainy Day Memories, Em Dem Troi soon rose to popularity. It became very popular abroad, particularly in Southeast Asia, and peaked at the top of the charts in Vietnam. Both reviewers and fans gave it high marks for its passion, rhythm, and imagery. Additionally, it was a nominee for other honors, such as Best Romantic Poem, Best Male Poet, and Poem of the Year.
Many readers were able to identify with the concept and mood of the poem, Em Dem Troi. Many told their tales of meeting someone who made their life better or of falling in love on a wet night. Many more congratulated Nguyen Si Kha for his poems and showed their appreciation and support for him.
The poem Em Dem Troi also inspired many adaptations, interpretations, and tributes, by both professional and amateur artists. Some of the most notable ones include:
- Le Quyen, a singer, transformed the poetry into a song by adding a chorus, melody, and a cheerier atmosphere.
- a short love comedy with Tran Nu Yen Khe and Le Khanh, directed by Tran Anh Hung, who took inspiration from the poem.
- The image from the poem was painted in a vibrant, impressionistic style by Nguyen Thanh Binh, an artist.
- Hoai Linh and Chi Tai performed a comedic rendition of the poem, adding gags and slapstick along with altered lyrics that parodied Nguyen Si Kha’s love tale.
My Rainy Day Memories
As a fan of Nguyen Si Kha and his poetry, I also have some rainy-day memories that I would like to share. Here are some of them:
I was bored and lonely at home when I read the poem Em Dem Troi for the first time. I had nothing to do, and it was pouring outside. I randomly opened a book that I had picked up. It was Nguyen Si Kha’s Rainy Day Memories. I had a surge of emotion after reading the poem Em Dem Troi. I wanted to meet someone who would make me feel the same way as Nguyen Si Kha because I felt like I was in a similar circumstance to him. The poetry struck a chord with me, and I experienced a twinge of imagination and optimism.
I was traveling with a person I liked when I read the poem Em Dem Troi for the second time. We were in a museum, and it was softly raining. We enjoyed each other’s company and had a lot in common. We decided to take a drink at a café. He showed me the poem Em Dem Troi after pulling out his phone. He asked me whether I thought the poetry was as good as he did, saying it was his favorite. I reddened when I answered “Yes.” He kissed me after blushing too. Although his lips were moist from the rain, his kiss felt warm. I had a rush of happiness and affection.
I was traveling to Vietnam on an aircraft when I read the poem Em Dem Troi for the third time. I was frightened and eager at the same time since it was raining outside. I had won the sweepstakes to go to Nguyen Si Kha’s poetry reading and meet and greet, so I was going to see him in person. I had long been an admirer of his, so I was ecstatic about my good fortune. I opened my book and started reading Em Dem Troi. As I spoke it out, I was filled with thanks and expectation. I had the impression that I would run across my friend and idol.
Conclusion
Em Dem Troi Nguyen Si Kha: Memories of a Rainy Day For me, among many others, 2023 is a word, a poem, an anthology, and a narrative that has inspired and moved me. It’s a line that captures a romantic and lyrical idea; a poem that emotes in a tender and heartfelt way; a collection that highlights the work of a gifted and true poet; and a narrative that paints a picture of a wonderful and unforgettable occasion. It is a line, a poem, an anthology, and a narrative that I will always value and recall. I hope you find enjoyment and appreciation in this phrase, poem, collection, and narrative as much as I do. I appreciate you taking the time to read it, and we hope that today—rain or shine—is fantastic for you.
FAQs:
- In Vietnamese culture, what does “Em Đêm Trời Nguyên Sí Kha” symbolize?
- “Em Đêm Trời Nguyên Sí Kha” is a Vietnamese folktale that symbolizes the peace and reflection that come with rainy evenings. It is a feeling of peace in the embrace of the night.
- What are some ways to get creative on wet evenings?
- When it’s raining outside, use creative outlets like writing, drawing, or stargazing. Accept the quiet atmosphere of the night and let your imagination be inspired by its wonders.
- Are there any particular customs in Vietnamese culture connected to rainy nights?
- Vietnamese culture is full of customs, such as sipping hot tea, exchanging stories, or just sitting outside and listening to the rain on a wet night. These customs foster a feeling of interconnectedness and gratitude for the natural environment.
- How is “Em Đêm Trời Nguyên Sí Kha” interpreted by artists in their creations?
- “Em Đêm Trời Nguyên Sí Kha” serves as a source of inspiration for artists who wish to convey a sense of calm and reflection in their creations. This might be portraying scenes of a wet night, delving into themes of isolation, or encapsulating the eerie atmosphere of the night.
- What can we learn from cherishing our memories of wet nights?
- Accepting our rainy night recollections teaches us the importance of reflection, quietness, and appreciating the beauty in life’s little moments. It inspires us to develop thankfulness for the night’s offerings and to embrace its secrets.
