Come in and say hello to Uncle Ho.
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The sun shines on the mountains,
And on the fields of grain,
It shines on the rivers,
And on the rolling plain.
It shines on the rich man’s mansion,
And on the poor man’s shack,
On the soldiers with their weapons,
And on the children’s pack.
The sun shines on the rulers,
And on the oppressed below,
On the masters and their minions,
And on the workers’ row.
The sun shines on the mighty,
And on the lowly born,
On the proud and haughty,
And on the humble torn.
The sun shines on the just and unjust,
On the strong and on the weak,
It shines on the wise and foolish,
On the proud and on the meek.
The sun shines on the young and old,
On the living and the dead,
On the stories yet untold,
And on the words unsaid.
The sun shines on the earth,
And on the heavens above,
It shines on all that has worth,
And on all that is love.
The sun shines everywhere,
On all that is bright and fair,
On all that is just and true,
And on all that is me and you.
Ho Chi Minh wrote "The Sun Shines Everywhere" in 1947, during his time as the leader of the Viet Minh. This was a critical period in Vietnam's history, as the country was struggling to free itself from French colonial rule.
The poem was a reflection on the universal nature of the sun's shining, which Ho Chi Minh saw as a symbol of hope and light that shines on all people, regardless of their social status or station in life.
The poem emphasizes the idea that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, is worthy of love and respect, and that the fundamental goodness and interconnectedness of all people can be a source of inspiration for revolutionary struggles.
It’s an incredibly English-written, rhyming poem. He studied abroad, didn’t he? Wonder how many languages he spoke.
The little I know of him is so impressive. Must pick up a good book. Suggestions welcomed.