THE COFFIN CARRIERS

Here is something written from childhood memories and of stories that I have heard from my family. 

Shadows against mountains,

each man, Sisyphus-like, shouldering a coffin,

backs hunched, rifles dragging,

moving Indian file through rice-paddies.

Weighted down by each step

we heard voices singing,

        “plant seeds, in fields and levees…

        In Fall, there will be

        five kinds of grain.”

Childhood, time of friendship, equality.

We used to dive into the same river

shattering the sun into million suns.

Your brother and I would measured our penises

with blades of grass

you would laugh at our little chili peppers

I saw yours, and yes…

I watched them swell and blossom

through the years.

Words support like bones

dreaming of the tenderness – the trembling lips

together, our hands clasp tightly.

Fighting waves of time.

We lost your brother in the Fall of `75.

I awoke this morning – roused by music

A violin sang beautifully

and part of me sang with it.

For on this day, someone is celebrating her birthday.

I wept quietly in my cell.

Oh the waves, the waves

in which we

tumble.

Minh Dang 
Poet of THE COFFIN CARRIERS
A person (salesian n religious - but a brother and friend) who inspires us in the community and the youngsters he meets and interacts - by his presence, his way of interacting, his smile, his catch phrase - "its simply amazing". A person who is an avid reader in all matters. His skills are drawing, sketching, and writing poems. I only know him for a year now lives just across my room here in the community, as it was in the last year. He has patience to listen no matter what time, what place...Soon to be a Priest...a Salesian Religious Priest....above all a MISSIONARY here in Israel, in the holy land....A person who is self-sacrificing and dedicated to work and study, above all to his PRAYER LIFE. His way of living is simple and his heart ever open to share anything and everything. 
Thanks Minh....God Bless U....
keep inspiring 
keep smiling 
keep thinking 
keep sharing
KEEP THE FAITH.....LIVE THE FAITH....
As U R...