To everyone, rain falls alike, only the amount may differ.

Poet Ms. Kim Jisu from Korea, the Land of Morning Calm, shares her two poems

Poet Ms. Kim Jisu graduated from Dankook University‘s Department of Theater and Film and majored in arts management in graduate school. She debuted as a poet in 2023 with the ‘Monthly Poetry’. Recommended Poet Award for her poem ‘Girl’s Letter’, in 2024. She received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Foundation for Supporting Victims of Forced Mobilization under Japanese Occupation. Her books include the joint poetry collection “There is someone who comes to mind when I’m alone” (2023) and “How to become a celebrity in Korea” (2006). She is currently a visiting professor in the Department of Theater at Dankook University’s Department of Performing Arts.

To Everyone, Falling Rain

To everyone, rain falls alike

Only the amount may differ.

 

When you feel alone on the rainy street,

Please, do not be sad,

Don’t feel disheartened

 

I’ll be your umbrella

Even on hot days, though inadequate,

You can use me as a parasol.

 

Whether it rains

Or snows

Or the sun shines strong and bright.

 

I’ll be your umbrella

Don’t miss me

Don’t lose me.

***

누구에게나 비는 내리고

양만 다를 뿐 누구에게나

비는 내리고

 

혼자 비 맞는다고

슬퍼하지 마세요

힘들어하지 마세요

 

내가 우산이 되어줄게요

 

더운 날엔 부족하지만

양산으로도 사용하세요

 

비가 오나

눈이 오나

햇빛이 강하나

 

내가 우산이 되어줄게요

 

나를 놓치지 말아요

잃어버리지 말아요

***

Green five senses

Standing in front of the lawn,

Take a breath,

Take off my white sneakers.

 

Bare feet are full of scars,

Stand on tiptoe,

I have to walk gently.

 

Pushed between toes,

The sting of the grass,

Awakens my five senses.

 

Stop thinking,

Speak less,

Close my eyes.

Become one with the grass,

Walking and walking again,

I feel free.

***

푸른 오감

잔디밭 앞에 서서

숨 한번 고르고

하얀 운동화를 벗는다

 

맨발은 상처투성이

까치발 들고

살살 걸어가야지

 

발가락 사이로 밀려오는

풀들의 따가움은

오감을 깨우고

 

생각을 멈춘다

말을 줄이고

눈을 감고

 

잔디와 하나가 된다

걷고 또 걸으면서

나는 자유로워진다

__________________ 

Read: Spring in Maehyang-ri – A Poem from Korea, the Land of Morning Calm