For Her Patient Love

Jaihoon’s poem explores the pain of neglecting love for ambition, finding solace only in its enduring presence.

Hey, tireless lover,
Of this crazy wanderer!

In life’s busyness,
I forgot,
With life’s success,
I was lost.

Realized not your affection,
Inflicted the solitary affliction.

Yet, you kept longing,
For a glimpse, yearning.

I threw upon you,
Thorns of pain,
And you gifted me:
Roses of love.

With patience, your lamp is lit,
By my tsunami, your shore is hit.

Even as I dived
Into the ocean of Time,
Your love alone:
The worthy pearl.

Your love showed me,
The paradise on earth,
Your love changed,
The demon to angel.

Hey, the one maddened by my love!
Hey, the one saddened by my love!

I swear to love you till death, but—
Pray for me as I rest below the earth.

May 26 2011. Edit March 2024