Mother's Advice (Poem translated from Khmer Version)

Im Sothearith
Southeast Asian Poetry Night
Ohio University, October 30, 2003

Introduction

The poem, ‘Mother’s Advice’ is composed and read by Im Sothearith, from Cambodia, at the Southeast Asian poetry night held at Ohio University on October 30, 2003. The poem is composed based on Sothearith’s memory of his mother’s advice given to him when he was a child. Sothearith is the only son in a single parent middle-class farmer family, since his father was killed in a Cambodian civil war. Besides teaching Sothearith how to read and write, his mother told him a series of stories concerning life struggling and the importance of education. The poem consists of seven verses which briefly describe his mother’s advice.

1
My child, please come close to me. I have some advice for you, and you should remember the valuable pieces of advice.

2
Bright life relies partly on right concepts. A good child must always be thoughtful and moral, and able to differentiate what is right and what is wrong. Think about yourself, be yourself and think ahead.

3
Hard work is the first factor helping you to have a prosperous life. You will represent our family and will be a good member of our society.

4
It is clear that opportunity is the second important factor, thus grasp the opportunity. It never comes to you, but you have to fight for it. Our old saying reads, “Do things when you are asked, but don’t do when they have already accomplished it.”[1]

5
Decision making is the last factor to be remembered. Make up your mind of what you are going to do. Decision leads you to meet your future ambition.

6
In the society, you should make friends rather than enemy. Your neighbors are like your fences protecting you from unforeseen dangers. Enemy is the nature of troubles, but friends are the cause of peace.

7
Being helpful, tolerant, patient, and responsible is important quality for socialization and honors your life.


[1] If you are asked to share or do a business, you had better consider, but if the business is already done successfully, you had better think of doing different businesses rather than doing the same one.