Korean Classical Poems In Chinese
Translated by Jung-IL Lee
This major anthology is the first of its kind in english. Two hundred poems spanning a thousand years of Korean poets writing in classic Chinese style. I could comment more, but i believe the examples here of this poetry speak better than my mere interpretation. Some favorites are:
"Life in Leisure" by Kil Jae(1353-1419)
Living alone in leisure in a hut by a stream,
I enjoy more than my share of moon and wind.
Though no one comes to visit, birds sing to me.
I move my cot near the bamboo grove, and lie down to read.
"Recluse Life" by Kim Koeng-P'il(1454-1504)
Living alone in leisure where no one comes to visit,
rejoice only at the moon shining on my solitary hut.
Do not ask, friend, what I wish to make of my life;
An endless wave of fog spreads far over mountain peaks.
From: The Peak-Blossom Pavilion by SHin Cham(1491-1554)
Visiting the site of my past pleasure only grieves my heart.
In the yard, the pear tree still blossoms,
But those who sang and danced are gone.
From: Wilting of the Flowers by an Anonymous Barmaid (19th century)
Life is like the spring that no sooner comes than goes:
I had hardly seen flowers bloom when I saw them wilt.
I hope you feel as you read, that this book of poetry shares
the greatness thats within us all.
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