According to poet Nguyen Quang Thieu, President of the Vietnam Writers’ Association, the theme “Before the vast sea” represents a confluence of poetry and the maritime space of Quang Ninh. The province previously organized a provincial-scale poetry event in 1988 to mark the 520th anniversary of King Le Thanh Tong inscribing a poem on Bai Tho Mountain, long before Vietnam Poetry Day was officially launched nationwide in 2003.

The event unfolds as the country enters a new phase of development following the success of the 14th National Party Congress, opening a long-term strategic vision and aspirations to elevate the nation’s standing. The image of standing before the vast sea serves as a metaphor for the country’s journey toward becoming a developed, high-income nation by 2045 - the centenary of the nation’s founding.

In that journey, literature and the arts in general, and poetry in particular, continue to be identified as vital spiritual resources, nurturing resilience, intellect, independence and the aspiration for development among Vietnamese people in a new era.

The Nguyen Tieu poetry night, themed “Before the vast sea,” will introduce sea-themed works by multiple generations of poets. Audiences will enjoy poems by Nguyen Khoa Diem, Huu Thinh, Tran Nhuan Minh, Tran Dang Khoa, Thuan Huu, Nguyen Thi Hong Ngat, Nguyen Viet Chien, Dang Huy Giang, Pham Duong and younger voices such as Trang Thanh, Lu Mai and Nguyen Thi Kim Nhung.

A highlight of this year’s program is a special exchange segment in which poets will share the circumstances behind the creation of their works and recite the original poems. The audience will then listen to musical adaptations performed by singers. As tradition dictates, the program will open with a recitation of President Ho Chi Minh’s poem Nguyen Tieu. Artistic performances celebrating the land and people of Quang Ninh by local artists will also be featured.

This year’s Poetry Day welcomes American poet Bruce Weigl, one of two US veterans awarded the Friendship Order by General Secretary To Lam in 2024 for contributions to promoting Vietnamese literature and fostering Vietnam - US relations.

Within the framework of the event, an academic seminar titled “The dignity of poetry” will discuss the role, responsibility and integrity of writers in the context of rapidly developing social media and artificial intelligence.

According to Colonel and writer Nguyen Binh Phuong, Vice President of the Vietnam Writers’ Association, this is an important seminar. Over the years, the association has organized numerous conferences and thematic discussions examining various aspects of poetic life. This time, however, organizers hope for a broader perspective, raising foundational questions to identify the “dimensions” and “stature” of contemporary poetry.

Through previous exchanges, he noted that contemporary poetry has formed essential elements shaping its distinct identity. The quality of works, the quality of creative teams and even the quality of reception have all seen positive changes. Yet these elements converge on a core question: where does the dignity of poetry lie, and how is it established?

It was from this reflection that the title “The dignity of poetry” was proposed and gained consensus. Nguyen Binh Phuong believes that speaking of “dignity” means building, preserving and protecting poetry’s core values amid profound transformations in contemporary social life.

One of today’s major challenges is the rapid development of technology, particularly artificial intelligence. He posed the question: will the intervention of algorithms and AI in the creative process alter the essence of poetry? Writing and receiving poetry have long been journeys toward human refinement and deeper emotional awareness. If technology becomes increasingly involved, where will poetry stand in the future?

Alongside that, the explosion of social media has generated phenomena worthy of reflection. Debates, statements and even personal attacks among authors online are not merely individual matters but can influence how society perceives the value of poetry. He believes this issue needs to be addressed frankly and responsibly.

Poet Huu Viet, Deputy Head of the External Relations Committee of the Vietnam Writers’ Association, said a notable new feature this year is the proactive effort to take poetry beyond auditoriums and stages into the community. Groups of poets will engage and read poetry at mines, schools, factories and military units across Quang Ninh, expanding the space for poetic reception.

The Poetry Day space will also display 50 sea-themed verses selected from ancient, medieval and modern poetry, presented on “poetry sails” designed by photographer Duong Minh Long. On this occasion, the Writers’ Association Publishing House will release the poetry collection “Before the vast sea,” featuring selected works aligned with the theme.

Tinh Le