Coincidentally, during the past few days, while my area was struggling to cope with the devastating floods, I came across this writing contest on the theme of Faith by Helios!
Phu Yen, the land of golden flowers on green grass, where I stand – the place where the Ba River stops. Now the sun has quickly set behind the trees. The sky is dull gray. On the small path, rice paddies are surrounded by water, many footprints in the mud after the fierce flood. People have come here, stayed here, and now they also “stop” here. In this late afternoon and dying day, I want to light a fire. But everything is soaking wet, not a single match left. I want to go home.
Home?
Do I have a home, or is it merely a last refuge, stolen and taken away by the Ba River? When my heart is full, when all my dreams have faded, it's more urgent than a tropical rainstorm. I walk against the flow of the river, letting my eyes be blinded by the last rays of sunlight. Suddenly, I think: "What have I existed for?" The river gives, and then the river takes away, a law of balance in all things.
The figures blend into the water, into the clouds like a surreal painting; sometimes I still think life is a giant surreal painting. Like trees not growing from the earth but glued to the sky, like dreams that never awaken but where there are strong kisses. The lover of a poor farmer is the sun and rain, but my lover is fragments of hope.
...
My grandparents and parents have placed their faith entirely in this land, so I must be the one to inherit it. Then, I will pass this faith on to the next generation – like a spiritual relay race, like the continuation of the Ba River.
Thanks to Helios's reminder: "Be strong - Be steadfast - Strive forward," hold on to your faith, and one day everything will be fresh again.
