Sea of Immortality By: Chong Chi-Yong, Kim Ki-Rim The wind flaps like a tent Now that the enemy has crossed. White water bundling up; paduk stones Tumbling, tumbling down The sea skylark soars: silver drops its Flight; Vigilant half the day To claw, to scavange red flesh. A shell, azalea hued, takes the sun In a seaweed smelling rock crevice, While a sea swallow on wing slide Glides in a plate-glass sky. Sea—see right, right down Sea Green as bamboo leaves as the men approach, Spring What do they look like running through the fields? Thick thickets of pine and bamboo? What do they look like firing their guns? A crouching Tiger, the enemy Draped in a blanket, thrown away. Spotted yellow and black? And you, my friend, take some such scene, A white Smoke comes like Sea, And voyage far, far away.Chong and Kim collaborated to bring what is widely accepted as one of the best pieces in Korean literature. Using what is called 'imagist' writings, they helped be a part of a new literary movement throughout Korea. Both men have since retreated to a private life, Chong only releasing one more collection of poems called "Sentiments of Korea"
Pride of Korea By: Kim Mij-Sow As we walk through the motherland, She stares laughing, blowing kisses beneath our feet, The love she gives will never diminish into oblivion. We will fight for her against all oppressors, She will determine the fate of all cowards, She brings a spark out of all her children, Her meadows are endless, Yet they are what we have chosen to die for. Hail Hail Korea, in all of her majesty.
Born in Seoul, South Korea in 1925, Kim Mij-Sow is a lesser known poet in historic sense, but gives great work. He wrote about such social issues as riots and, in this case, the Korean War, up until he died in December of 1961. He was popular in the 1940's, and has since increased his popularity.
Door to Liberation By: So Chong-ju So hushed was the southern sky, The sky that was ready for war, An orchid was like the budding new country,It’s petals shining for the liberated people Wide open for new hope.Born in 1915, So Chong-ju was, and is a great celebrity in Korea. Wondering when the allies would win. Why should we fight for this cause? Opened the door to opurtunity and freedom Regarded as the father of modern Korean Poetry, he often writes about his native land, such as his province of Cholla. In this case, however, he took time for the Korean War. Chong-ju is often compared to Yeats, or even Baudelaire, because he shares a similar style.
Through these poems, I hope I have helped you understand the Korean War, and what it means to the countrymen of Korea. If you have any comments, questions or suggestions regarding the origin or analysis of these poems, I would be happy to help. Just e-mail me, I'm Richard.