Yi Chah Yun. (12th Century A.D.)
Last night, the autumn moon—departing wings.
Today, your visit and returning summer.
Every day since our parting I have thought of you.
At night I ask the moon to peer through your window
That, when she returns to this mountain,
She may bring me news of my friend.
But the moon is always silent.
Often I wonder whether you, too, remember
When you see blue flowers lying aslant the moon.[3]
Reading the ancient books you must have marked
How many sought the cloud-enfolded path.
Sookje, Paiki, name after name, they shine
Like crystal beads threaded on silken cord.
Often, when I thought of you, I wondered
How soon you would weary of your stamp and seal.
Take off your wide-winged hat. Set free your hair.
The wind will blow the world dust from your mind.
Rest here in peace upon this rocky bed.
Though pine trees whisper they are never plotting.
The watchful stars are never seeking evil.
The clouds’ soft garment does not hide a knife.
We shared our springtime. Passing winter together,
Beyond the snow line, we shall reach the Immortal Garden.