Let us continue with “Part 3: Love that Transcends Space and Time,” from the book “The Love of Centuries,” by Supreme Master Ching Hai. The poem “The Love of Centuries” tells of the longing for a reconnection with a sacred, ancient love.
Part 3: Love that Transcends Space and Time
The Love of Centuries (Người Tình Thiên Cổ)
“Tonight resting under the shining stars My thoughts are with the one from planets afar Space and time divide not our sacred love My heart withers, waiting from centuries long.
Where are you in the vast transmigration? I’ve searched through millions of galaxies Feet weary in thousands of turbulent worlds, Know you not?
Traveling with the clouds to distant realms You spread your love throughout the cosmos While leaving my heart alone, adrift – Remember you not an ancient flame?
I’ve journeyed the entire universe Longing to reunite with you, my beloved Waiting still after thousands of years Time’s interminable as my devotion never withers!
Oh, the memory of eyes like the azure ocean Like brilliant stars that light up my soul Velvet hair like golden clouds at twilight Weaving dreams of our ardent love of old?
Your graceful silhouette warms the wintry expanse Delicate footprints leaving even the pebbles dazed A lovely smile bringing forth spring blossoms Sweet lullaby voice soothing evening birds.
Mountains and forests rejoice when your lithe feet glide by Tender, emerald grass dancing with clouds in the cerulean sky Nature is dreamy Streams and woodlands filled with melody Thousands of autumns and winters pass, besotted still the Moon Akin to my heart, Love is evermore... Missing you without end. I crown the flower-laden throne So planet Earth can shine in splendor!
You are here! My soul’s adorned by moons and stars The wilted heart now blossoms boundlessly. Oh, dear universe! Is now here My love of centuries! Your arrival elevates myriad worlds Waves of joy reach even the farthest galaxy.
But in the corners of our eyes, thousands of stars stand silent You and I, familiar yet estranged What to say – so distanced by life’s upheavals?
Remember you not the ancient planet from whence we came? And intimate moments like covers on rainy nights. Timeless love now suddenly diffident! A cold pebble rolls beneath the limitless ocean.
We gaze in uncertainty at separation Will we meet again in this life or after eons?
Day turns to night, pillows tears-dampened The Moon and stars grow faint, clouds sinking in heartbreak. Do you know of my immense anguish? Viewing the full Moon, can you tell it’s waning? In the vast ocean, can you see my teardrops of longing! Watching the falling leaves, does your heart not stir?
The wintry wind wails a long, melancholy tune Rainfall on this side remains not on the other Evening fades, twilight reluctantly descends And comes yet another night, lasting a century...
Oh, my precious! Rather we meet in dreams Than to be steps away but mountains apart Casting down my eyes to hide my sweltering tears Innumerable words trailing like the rain in winter Cascading into the great sea Heaven and Earth extend their embrace with sympathy A rose by your side, or is it a sword in my heart?
Infinite space Eternal time Wondrous affinity, life after life Gone forever.
Why does my sorrow still linger? Why does my feeling not wither? Reminiscing our footprints on every land Countless stars twinkle out your name But now, they are so reticent.
I send my love to the white clouds To high mountains Into the gentle breeze... What’s left from the traces of the Moon and stars I tenderly hold Lest my heart become blighted.
Oh my beloved, remember you not a trace of our past destiny? Please send into the wind a small whisper: ‘Eternally not forget each other!’”
Next, we continue with the poem “Dream in the Night,” which expresses a longing to return to paradise and leave the illusionary human realm. In addition, this exquisite poem was set to music by two-time Oscar-winning composer Al Kasha and performed by Tony Award nominee and Emmy Award winner Liz Callaway at Supreme Master Television’s 4th Anniversary concert, “Gifting Peace.”
Dream in the Night (Mơ Đêm)
“Last night, I dreamt Of restful sheets and pillows As fragrant sandalwood wafting through the air Heartfelt was the time When we were still together, When our love was still forever.
Last night, I dreamt Of leaving life’s red dust behind Light-footed to paradise Carefree for once On the fragrant hillside – Anguish and sorrow are gone.
Tonight, I’ve come home Mountain rain trickles ceaselessly Wheels roll over the lonely path Clouds hang miserably Inviting dreams Exquisite visions To forget the illusory human realm!
My darling! My beloved! The river flows tirelessly Searching for a cherished harbor of old Where long days will be delightful A human’s lot content And all complaints silenced.
Last night, I dreamt I was a swan Soaring above mountains Drinking in the snow Bathing in the rainbow Feeling free again Feeling free again.”
Our final poem is “Shade of Time,” which reminisces about a relationship that transcends space and time.
Shade of Time (Khuất Nẻo Thời Gian)
“You are like bird traces Soaring high in far regions I return as night dew Melting into oblivion!
You are the moonlight Shining on all paths of life I am the morning star Belated and fading afar!
The love of ancient has arrived Why passion as remote as clouds in the sky Rather meet each other in dream Where loving word is simple Warm and familiar hands find each other.
Time oh time! How is it that feelings become fragile as shadow of the night Rather meet each other in dream That caring old flame That loving old poem.
You are like the Sun realm Shining through all glory I am like the wild orchid Wrapped in soft fragrance!
You are like the passing boat Ever floating away from shore I melt with the winter rain Forever drifting!”
“Love of Centuries” is free for download at SMCHBooks.com
