Korean Poetry

I bought a book of Korean Poetry on the first day I was in my new apartment. It has both the original Korean and the translated English on facing pages, much like the copy of Beowulf I borrowed from Davyd and read a few years ago. The author is a Nun in the Christian Church, Sr. Claudia Hae In Lee. Translation from Koren by Jinsup Kim.

Many of the poems in the book, entitled, Snow Flower Songs: Lyrics of Nature, have moved me greatly and helped me reflect on my life in some meaningful way. This is just one such example. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

A Trumpet Vine's Love Song

Missing you
On a day like today,
My heart quivers.

Although rude to neighboring trees,
I unconciously climb higher and higher
As my yearning tendrils reach out
Ceaselessly.

I believe
You will fortify me enough
To control myself.

Rather than words of praise from others,
It is your silently burning eyes
That inspire my prayers,
And it is love
Whereon my entire life hangs.
-Sr. Claudia In Hae Lee