The dragon's lair

A personal collection of verse

Azaleas

Kim So-wol


When seeing me sickens you
and you go,
gently, without a word, I shall send you on your way.

From Mount Yak in Yŏngbyŏn,
azaleas—
I will gather them by the armful and scatter them on your path.

Step by step upon the flowers
I have laid down,
tread lightly as you go.

When seeing me sickens you
and you go,
though I die, I will not shed a tear.

translated by: McKenzie Johns

Azaleas

Kim So-wol


When seeing me sickens you
and you go,
gently, without a word, I shall send you on your way.

From Mount Yak in Yŏngbyŏn,
azaleas—
I will gather them by the armful and scatter them on your path.

Step by step upon the flowers
I have laid down,
tread lightly as you go.

When seeing me sickens you
and you go,
though I die, I will not shed a tear.

translated by: McKenzie Johns