The 11th National Poetry Day of Vietnam 2013, on the theme "Tuoi Tre va To Quoc" (Youth and Nation), took place at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi on February 24th.
The annual event aims to create an opportunity for Vietnamese poets to meet and share experiences, as well as introduce books and poems with visitors; and for younger writers to show their talent, demonstrate their patriotism, and encourage the poets of their generation to strive for greater excellence.
Apart from the participation of poetry clubs from Hanoi and nearby areas, the day also drew the participation of students from 11 universities in Hanoi and the northern mountainous province of Thai Nguyen. The students composed and performed poems, introducing their schools and their impressions of the national landscape and people. US Poet Bruce Weight, who is a Vietnam war veteran, was also invited to meet and discuss the art of poetry with Vietnamese youth.
Poetry newspapers and magazines will publish special Poetry Day editions.