10.11.10 : Ha Noi : Viet Nam Writer's Association : Poetry Reading

10.11.10 : Ha Noi : Viet Nam Writer's Association : Poetry Reading

"If it weren't for the war, we would never have gotten the chance to know one another."  

Apparently this quote comes from The Women of Troy by Euripides, but it has been said many times by Dr. Ed Tick when introducing our group and it's purpose in Vietnam, it's become a bit of a mantra for all of us.

We were invited to share poetry with some of the most esteemed Vietnamese poets at the Vietnamese writer's Association.  The welcome we received was warm and many of the poets we met were veterans of what they call "The American War."  It was a chance for both sides to share stories of how their people were affected by the war.  And a chance to share the healing power of writing about and sharing the truth of war.

We are welcomed to the Viet Nam Writer's Association, Dr. Ed Tick introduces the veterans in our group who came to Vietnam seeking peace.

Reverend John Schluep represents Warriors Journey Home, and First Congregational Church of Tallmadge, OH.  Schluep read his poem titled, "When the Air Shakes."

Poet Gabz Ciofani, Wick Poetry Center, Kent State, and Que Mai, Viet Nam Writer's Association read each other's poetry in their respective languages, so everyone in the room can enjoy their poems. Thank you again Que Mai for everything.