I was forever in my dreams

My school when I was young 

Was in the area of the Mékong Delta 

I stayed there for many years 

But always longed for my parents 

To come and collect me 

I received a number of their letters 

And carefully replied to every one 

We would become a family again 

But a lot had to change 

Before this could happen 

I has always accepted this fact

But as I matured I began to appreciate

The extraordinary beauty of my location

It was suggested that

I should become a teacher

But then things began to change 

I saw the early signs

An innocence was being eroded 

And a festering malignancy 

Was taking its place   



Marie de Fougerolles 

Translated from the French