Flowering Shrubs Shin Seokjung (1907-1974) The divine tale that discusses the sun Arose solely from where it was turned against. Even at night, When the moonlight was pouring like a rainfall, Had we not wandered along the ruined castle, Talking and beating our chests? When would we truly—When would we finally Enshrine the flawless sun … Continue reading
Girls of the Fall Yang Jungja (1944 – present) In dreary November in the empty schoolyard where students and teachers are gone and blossoms and leaves are fallen seventh-grade girls who are yet to start puberty play jumpsies in the corner till late. “A toy train leaves as it chugs choo choo carrying cookies and … Continue reading
A Half Shattered Briquette Ahn Do-hyun (1961-present) Someday, I too want to flare up, I too want to push myself to the limit. When I return in the truck I arrived in, “a briquette”—the first name I was given— will be shattered like my existence. So I want to reach my limit here, gloriously, even if … Continue reading
The Buddhist Nun Baek Seok (1912-1995?) The Buddhist nun joined her hands and bowed. She smelled like a wild aster. Her forlorn face was aged like old days. I became sorrowful like a sutra. At the gold mine of a mountain in Pyongan, I bought a corn from a pallid woman. Slapping her little daughter, … Continue reading
On the Bridge Yi Yong-ak (1914-1971) At night when the wind was rough, We lit the extinguished square lantern Again and again, stepping on a chest. My sister said She is scared, for the starry night has fallen On the bridge to a noodle house I become nostalgic of Sister and I, children of a … Continue reading
Franz Kafka Oh Kyu Won (1947-2007) -MENU- Charles Baudelaire 800 won Carl Sandburg 800 won Franz Kafka 800 won Yves Bonnefoy 1,000 won Erica Jong … Continue reading
Spring Rain Yi Subok (1924-1986) If this rain stops, In the field by the river, my mind Shall deepen to the doleful color of grass. In the clear sky Above the green field of wheat, Only a skylark would chirp so-and-so. If this rain stops, In the delicate field of flowers That will enviously bloom, … Continue reading
Rind, Be Gone Shin Dong-yup (1930-1969) Rind, be gone. Leaving only the kernel of April, Rind, be gone. Rind, be gone. Leaving the shouts from Gongju in Donghak revolution, Rind, be gone. Hence, again, Rind, be gone. Here, in the wedding hall of neutrality, Glowing with shyness, Asadal and Asanyeo Shall stand and bow at each … Continue reading
East Sea—At Hupo Port Shin Kyung-nim (1936-) Many days, I despise my friends more than my enemies. Many times, a fault as tiny as dust Looks huge like a straw mat, like a hill. This may be why when the world is in confusion, I become harsh on others and lenient on myself; I become … Continue reading
Originally posted on Poethead by Chris Murray:
Pomegranate In autumn, even a tree sheds jewels on the street. A deeply buried heart may be fetching like this. Around this time, A bird shall pilot the life of a fragrant tree, Crossing the river with a seed in its beak, Passing the field of silvergrass on…
Ahn Translation 