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“Flowers That Bloom When Shaken” by Do Jong-Hwan
Where have flowers bloomed but never trembled?Even those most beautifulall trembled as they blossomed,and as they shook, stalks grew firm.Where is there a love which is never shaken? Where have flowers bloomed though never been made wet?Even those most brightly sparklingwere soaked and soaked again as they blossomed.Battered by wind and rain, their petals opened warmly.Where…
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“Worries for Mom” by Ki Hyeong-Do
Gone to marketcarrying thirty bunches of young radishes on her head,mom still hasn’t returned and the light’s long faded.I’m forgotten, like cold rice in this room.No matter how slowly I do my homework,mom still doesn’t return. I don’t hear her trudging footsteps likethe crunch of cabbage. It’s dark and I’m scared.Alone in my empty room,…
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“Class Dismissal” by Do Jong-Hwan
Kids, don’t go straight home.The faces of cosmos flowers are peeking throughwith waving hands, so return the wave.Hug each tree one by onewhich provides a place to rest.Talk to the friendless green foxtailstill they turn white. Be someone there to chat. Kids, go straight home.Don’t get lost in a skyyou can’t touch and can’t smell.Clouds…
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“Yeah” by Moon Jeong-Hee
One sunlight-filled afternoonyou asked,“Wanna do it with me?”My reply,which blossomed like a flower,“Yeah.” As a round sea, you rise above me.As a round moon, I rise below you.This sparkling posture of language, simply roomsfor parallel heartscoming into contact. The beautiful completionmade by you and me,moon and sea. “Yeah,”the warmestand most peaceful answerrising over landand the…
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“And a Red Arrow Through the Heart” by Heo Yeong-Ja
Don’t touch. An unwavering stare. Having traveled far on foot with a red arrow through the heart, the act is impressive. Symmetrical curve to his shoulders: the image of peace from behind. Today even the breeze politely follows at his shadow, and flowers underfoot bow their heads in his direction. O poetry of sadness, deep…
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“Gasoline” by Heo Yeong-Ja
I want to bea woman like gasoline.Have a light soulto avoid feeling rainbows,both warm and dangerous,a combustible chest—pure volatility, full-aged,leaving no residueof regret or grudges.I want to bea woman like gasoline. 휘발유 같은여자이고 싶다무게를 느끼지 않게가벼운 영혼뜨겁고도 위험한가연성(可燃性)의 가슴한 올 찌꺼기 남지 않는순연한 휘발정년 그런액체 같은여자이고 싶다. The original poem appeared in the fall 2011 issue…
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“Untitled” by Heo Yeong-Ja
Like cool fresh water gushing upthrough cracks between rocks,like deep blue-green onion stalks lifting headsthrough snow-covered ground,bothso clearand sopungent. 돌틈에서 솟아나는싸늘한 샘물처럼눈밭에 고개드는새파란 팟종처럼그렇게맑게또한 그렇게매웁게. The original poem appeared in the fall 2011 issue of Litopia.
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“Holding Out an Apology” by Maeng Moon-Jae
1I turned down a village side street and apples hangingclung close to my steps like fire. Being poor, I’m well aware that touching someone else’s belongingsis a bad habit, but…I wanted to break the rule just once. The tree’s height placing apples at arms’ reachand its miniature flowers fallen on the fence tempted me. 2Humming…