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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…
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“Evening Letter” by Kim Yong-Taek
I like you.Every nightas the stars come out,I’m reminded of your face.On this night, too, I’m watching the stars.Following one,I see your face.Among the many,at timesall I see is a solitary star.The same one you’re watching now.The same one that’s ours.The reason stars bud up like they dois because of countless heartswith longing for each other.The…
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“Warm Earth” by Jo Eun
Settled for a moment in the place they came to rest,the seeds buried themselves.Knowing the course of waterflowing to my body, they did not fallbut caught the earthy scent of a place where water becomes pure.Sprouting, no memory of conception,no memory of birth.My body is foreign.Sometimes, there was a placeI wanted to spread my roots,and in…
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“Pleasant Nightmare” by Park Seong-Woo
I had gone to school to take final exams,but a gorilla was gobbling up the classroom like a cookie. Next to the gorilla,a goat stood finishing up the test papers. In the gym, a yellow-ringed snakecraftily coiled round the teachers was in mid yawn. At a loss for what to do,we gathered in groups, played…
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“Lips” by Park Hyeong-Joon
Spring, midday.Opening the air’s drawer,I smell the scent of new life.Warmed alcohol,sunlight fallen between dew, and as we walk,us, trying to speak only words with lips.We blow our hornstowards the door to the future hung in the blue sky.Holding firmly to the weak wind’s waist,feel its secret wordscollect in your ears.Breathe deeply in the direction…