They’re called Bui-Doi. The dust of life. Conceived in Hell, And born in strife. They are the living reminder of all the good we failed to do. We can’t forget Must not forget That they are all our children, too. Like all survivors I once thought When I’m home I won’t give a damn But…
[KIM] You who I craddled in my arms. You, Asking as little as you can. Little snip of a little man, I know I’d give my life for you. You didn’t ask me to be born You, Why should you learn of war or pain? To be sure you’re not hurt again, I swear I’d…
(KIM bursts into the ENGINEER’S shack, carrying TAM) KIM Engineer! Thuy is dead! he was going to kill my baby and I shot ENGINEER you did what? who is that? you’ll be followed! Get him out of here! Good-bye! KIM we must leave! Tam and I! we must set off for America tonight ENGINEER oh…
(The ENGINEER is making his way furtively through the city. SOLDIERS seem to be everywhere.)ENGINEER If you want to die in bed Follow my example When you see a cloud ahead It’s time to show your class Hit the door before They make a target of your ass If you want to die in bed…
(The ENGINEER, in a peasant clothes, is brought back to the city from a re-education camp by THUY’s soldiers. THUY instructs him to find KIM in exchange for his freedom) (The ENGINEER tracks down KIM and leads THUY to her. Once more, she rejects his love declaring that she’s sworn herself to CHRIS; the enraged…
ENGINEER coo-coo princess, look who’s here your resurrected Engineer don’t ask me how I tracked you down who has the sharpest nose in town? I’m here to throw a rope before you drownfor men, will always be men you change the regime the lust doesn’t stop you and I will team up again together we’ll…
KIM: Last night I watched him sleeping, my body pressed to him. And then he started speaking. The name I heard him speak was Kim… Yes, I know that this was years ago, but when moonlight fills my room I know you are here, still. I still- I still believe you will return. I know…
(It is three years later. Saigon has been renamed Ho Chi Minh City. A street pageant is celebrating the glorious victory of North Vietnam and the Third Anniversary of Reunification.) FIRST GROUP On silent feet it came Breathing a sheet of flame, it came Closing in on its rightful prey Burning a hundred years away The morning…
CHRIS In a place that won’t let us feel In a life where nothing seems real I have found you I have found you KIM In a world that’s moving to fast In a world where nothing can last I will hold you I will hold you CHRIS Our lives will change when tomorrow comes…
(The door opens. A stranger enters.) THUY You’re here. It’s true It is as I was told This man, and you For how much were you sold? Our vows! Our name! You squander them on swine And worse! The shame! Before your family’s shrine CHRIS This girl is mine! THUY Yours? CHRIS Now THUY What!…