The List

by Thản Nhiên

Translated by Nhã Trân

The 1st List

To the living
We were already dead

My name is Tam Van Nguyen, I was shot in the chest, and I was shot in the heart
I died instantly
I died before realizing what was happening

My name is Dung
They shot me on the back
I slipped and fell into the ocean
My blood poured for the whole half hour
The water was freezing cold and dark
I become exhausted and sank

My name is Hong
I was shot in the left eye
through the back of my neck
My pupil popped out and wet my palm
The pupil that witnessed light flashing from firearms

I am Dong Van Dinh
I was shot many times
In the foot, the stomach, the chest, the shoulder, the jaw
My intestine fell out onto the boat’s floor
I gasped for breath then I screamed then I struggled
I did not die at that moment
I heard the waves the winds the horn
Faded out
And completely died away

To everyone, I am Bien Huu Nguyen
Their bullets tore off my neck completely
Their bullets cut off my head from my body

Trong Xuan Nguyen is me
My head bumped on the steering wheel
I grabbed the rope
I saw my companions slaughtered
I saw my companions screaming, crying and being hunted as animals
Dong’s blood sprang out and wet my face
The blood was stinky and warm
I did not know when I passed away

My name is Tung
Tung Van Nguyen
They shot me while I was eating
My rice bowl had dried fish, fish sauce, and veggies
My bowl turned over to my face
My eyes were able to see no more
A bullet cut out my tongue
I saw my wet brain sticking on my temple
The brain that mixed with the rice

And me, I am Xuyen Van Le
I am the captain of the boat
We live in the province of Thanh Hoa
We hoisted our country flag and we complied with the Law while fishing at deep sea
We are not pirates
We were just fishing

To the living,
We were already dead!

03.25.2011