Poetry and translation from Korean by Ihlwha Choi
Love affairs are usually secret,
But some must be kept especially hidden.
In the case of Abelard and Heloise*, it had to be secret,
Though no matter how flawless a love affair may be, it is best hidden.
Because even then, it was not declared that God is dead.
Daytime words were heard by birds, and night-time words by rats.
Lotte and Werther*,
Caused turmoil before the expiration date,
Romeo and Juliet*,
Were talked of by people.
A love that has passed its expiration date should blend into the myriad of green like a flowering tree,
But being left desolate like the back of a sandcastle by the sea
Or an empty reed warbler nest in a field
Is a lonely affair.
Though a story ascends high into the peaks of immortality
And a spectacular scene tempered by fiery flames may remain,
In the case of Abelard and Heloise, who heated the Middle Ages,
It was an age-old battle between God and mortals.
*The names of a high-ranking cleric and a young nun in medieval France.
*Lotte and Werther from Johann Wolfgang Goethe’s 1774 novel, The Sorrows of Young Werther
*Romoeo & Juliet (1597, play by William Shakespeare)
Ihlwha Choi is a South Korean poet. He has published multiple poetry collections, such as Until the Time When Our Love will Flourish, The Color of Time, His Song and The Last Rehearsal.
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