The Love Song of a Dandelion

Claudia Lee Hae-in (1945-)

Every day, a dandelion writes a poem in the spring sky,
For it feels empty to untangle the long string of thoughts
That has been twined in secret.
When it lets down its white hair and spreads the thin seeds into the air
For there is a long way to go with its crippled body,
Even the dancing butterflies step aside.
On its forehead, putting happiness as tiny as a flower seed,
It does not regret giving its heart to the sun.
After pondering alone, after counting stars alone,
The dandelion blossoms again from the earth, from the sky.

1986
(Translated by Jido Ahn. May 2016)

Learn more about the poet: Claudia Lee Hae-in (1945-)

민들레의 연가

이해인 (1945~)

은밀히 감겨 간 생각의 실타래를
밖으로 풀어 내긴 어쩐지 허전해서
날마다 봄 하늘에 시를 쓰는 민들레
앉은뱅이 몸으로는 갈 길이 멀어
하얗게 머리 풀고 얇은 씨를 날리면
춤추는 나비들도 길 비켜 가네
꽃씨만한 행복을 이마에 얹고
해에게 준 마음 후회 없어라
혼자서 생각하다 혼자서 별을 헤다
땅에서 하늘에서 다시 피는 민들레

1986

Photo source: DongA Ilbo

Other poems by Claudia Lee Hae-in:

Like a Period that Resembles a Flower Seed – Claudia Lee Hae-in