Midwinter Night

Hwang Jini

I shall cut the long midwinter night in two at its waist,
and roll up the sliced-off half to stow it beneath my springtime quilt.
Then on the night my beloved returns to me,
I will unravel that saved night, long and long, to make our time last.

Midwinter Night

Hwang Jini

Long and lonely December night,
I wish I could cut you in two,
And keep one half under my covers,
Warm and sweetly scented,

So I might add it to a shorter night
When my love sleeps here with me.

translated by: Chung Seuk Park