Winter barley - Kim Su-yeong

My body hurts

So I stagger in the sun.

My body hurts

So I stagger in the sun.

It is because I believe in something

It is because I believe in something

The particles and dust of the lights rays are too insipid

(I wish I could do some coercing)

In the upside-down state of the other world

I would not stagger nor would I coerce

But until the meaning

Of this blinding, pale shining heat is made clear

I will stay here.

In the sunlight the winter barley puts forth shoots

The pupply whimpers

Are the valleys not peaceful?

Do they not speak of the meaning of peace?

In the silence between

The bird which sang; and is gone

And the bird which shall come and sing.

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Kim Su-yeong [Kim soo-young, Kim Su-yŏng] (1921 – 1968) South Korea

Translated by Edward W. Poitras

Source: Contemporary Poems, Korea Journal Vol 12, September 1972