This is my TRANSLATION of a poem written by Korean poet, SHIVA RYU. I did the best I can to translate the oriental poem into English. Ryu is not translated into any other language as far as I know, as poetry is notoriously difficult to translate. He probably is not known beyond Korea. But here is one of his poems in English.
(If this is not legal, let me know. I will take it off.)
Salt
Salt is
The Sea’s wound
Not many people know this
Salt is
The Sea’s pain
Not many people know this
When from the tables of the world
Like white snow
Salt falls
That they are the Sea’s tears
Not many people
Know this
That those tears
Give everything in the world
Its savour
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Very interesting
Written by patterjack (1194 comments posted) 27th February 2008 |
...and an enjoyable introduction
It has for me the elements of haiku , zen , etc -- but I am very likely talking through my hat in that regard
I like the repetitions . And the conclusion as well .
(I think that translations are probably legal enough ! )
patterjack |
Written by Fledermaus (3281 comments posted) 27th February 2008 |
I'm wondering what this gentleman's background is, as I have the annoying habit of trying to label things. In a way it sounds very Buddhist: Crying to safe everything in the world. The sea as a holy person...
Nice poem, and since you mentioned the poet's name, I don't think there can be much wrong with translating his work. |
Written by maipenrai (783 comments posted) 28th February 2008 |
I liked this a lot, a good poem.
Bernie |
Written by Abigail (29 comments posted) 28th February 2008 |
Beautiful. I'd like to read more.
Abigail |
Ryu's background
Written by mia_ms_kim (1019 comments posted) 28th February 2008 |
As far as I know Ryu is something of a recluse. I would put his age between 50-60. He wrote 'Salt' in his 30's, I think. He gained recognition for his work early in his life, but he gave it all up to 'seek the truth' (I'm paraphrasing, I don't exactly know what he was seeking.) It led him to India, Nepal, Tibet etc. I think he eventually became a disciple of a well-known Indian teacher.
Ryu once wrote he was something of a 'burn-out'. (I find it hard to believe when he keeps producing material that invites heavily polarising reviews.) I also think he has little respect for professional commentators of poetry, who 'carry briefcases full of big frightening' words, according to him. I can only assume he doesn't think they are qualified to comment on the work born out of deep personal torment if they haven’t walked in it themselves. (I think he is a tortured soul. Sometimes I feel I’m being asphyxiated by his seemingly unending suffering.)
Thank you, Abigail, maipenrai, for liking the poem I like!
patterjack, Fledermaus, you guys are perceptive. Ryu must be very influenced by Buddhist thinking. (I know very little about zen. What is a haiku?) Korea is traditionally a Buddhist country, too, so the Buddhist thoughts often undergird much of our perception of the world, even though Korea (South) is now predominantly Christian.
And it’s my personal observation that we, Koreans, are a race who finds much beauty in misery, myself included.
Mia |
Deep
Written by TomOBrien (68 comments posted) 4th March 2008 |
It seems pretty deep to me. I did enjoy reading this and it does make one stop and think.
I understand that tears and blood are almost identical in composition. Is that poetic? I can't tell.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
tom o  |
tears & blood
Written by mia_ms_kim (1019 comments posted) 4th March 2008 |
Thank you, Tom. Ryu's poems makes me think, too, even years after I've read them... It's interesting you mention tears and blood being identical. Koreans have a word they use to convey a very strong emotion, 'blood-tears'. normally used in the context of enormous personal suffering.
Mia |
not dismissing...
Written by patterjack (1194 comments posted) 4th March 2008 |
...your poem , or the strong Korean phrase blood-tears .
In my personal experience the sentence He wept tears of blood has an unfortunate comic connotation -- as a comment on somebody's over-emotional reaction, often allied to frustration
It is the sort of thing that happens all the time as the language grows , a strong image being weakened as further connotations are added . Sometimes it's a good thing -- sometimes it's unfortunate
Does not spoil your poem for me however !
patterjack
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Written by lauthiamkok (60 comments posted) 28th March 2008 |
| aww... I simply love this poem. So simple and yet so poetic. This is what moves me in a poetic poetry or writing! Many thanks for the translation. I wish I could read more of this poetic creation and from this poet. |
Lauthiamkok, thank you.
Written by mia_ms_kim (1019 comments posted) 28th March 2008 |
I've translated about 4 or 5 of Ryu's poems on GW. If you click on my name and look at all the work I've published on GW, you will find them. I love Ryu's poems, too.
Mia  |
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