Xuân An – Người làm rượu cần gia đình

Afternoon lowers slowly
the yard grows softer
I set the earthen jar
near the fire
dry wood smells good
in my hand
The sticky rice has cooled
I mix in the starter
hands know the rhythm
no need to count
warm scent spreads
through the room

The jar lid closes
with rattan cord
wind outside the porch
touches the bamboo wall
children laugh quietly
then fall silent
I wipe the mouth of the jar
slowly
hands sticky with flour
and smoke
time lingers
with us
A bamboo drinking tube
is laid at an angle
the wine’s warmth rises
from the earth
voices call to one another
closer
When night is deep enough
we sit in a circle
the jar stands in the middle of the house
warm
today’s work
is to keep what is shared