Thanksgiving Poem by Thanh-Thanh NhuanLe

Thank you, the Buddha who's had pity on me
So that from so many vicissitudes of life I am free;
Raising my eyes to look at anyone without shame,
Filial piety and loyalty kept, I've attained my aim.

Thank you, my beloved Vietnam fatherland
For lavishing your favor on me, I understand,
Over four thousand years our history inheritable
How many examples magnanimous, indomitable!

Thank you my kind parents who gave me birth
Brought me up, educated; proud to be on earth,
I know the evil to avoid, with the good to comply:
The credit is due to them, the merit mountain-high.

Thank you everybody everywhere far and near,
My lineage, my family precious, my friends dear
Who have been fond of me in this life in chime,
Our existence is always beautiful like springtime.

Thank you, America, the Americans humane
For receiving with wide arms people mundane
Rescuing, relieving on the globe so many a soul
Not distinguishing race, color, just those in dole.

Thank you, Abbot, my Master, each bonze, nun
For giving me Wisdom long since well done.
Your rich graces to develop my mind wakerife
Have provided me with enough luggage in life.