Work in pairs. Can you recite any poems, lines of poetry or song lyrics by heart in Vietnamese? Were they written recently or a long time ago? Why do you remember them?

Person A: Hi, have you ever read any Vietnamese poetry or song lyrics that you really love?

Person B: Yes, I have! One of my favorites is "Điệu Ru Tình Yêu" by Trịnh Công Sơn. It's a beautiful lullaby that he wrote in the 1960s.

Person A: That sounds lovely. What is it about?

Person B: Well, the song is about a mother singing to her child and telling the child how much she loves them. It's very emotional and heartfelt.

Person A: That sounds really touching. Do you remember any of the lyrics?

Person B: Yes, I do! The first verse goes like this:

"Riêng mình ta đêm nay ngoài trời mưa gió

Mưa rơi buồn như tình ta vô tình đong đưa

Nếu con khóc đêm nay mẹ làm sao ngủ được

Để mẹ ru con giữa đêm mưa dầm dề."

Person A: Wow, that's beautiful. Do you know why Trịnh Công Sơn wrote this song?

Person B: Yes, I think he wrote it during a difficult time in his life when he was feeling lonely and sad. But he turned his pain into art and created this wonderful lullaby that has touched the hearts of so many people over the years.

Person A: That's amazing. I really appreciate you sharing this with me. I'm going to look up the song and listen to it.

Person B: You're welcome! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.