The Better Chancery Practice Blog

PRAYER IN FOUR VERSES

1.

The Lord has shown me

His hands held out together,

His empty hands.

There falls only my sorrow

Upon his palms like snow.

Now, Lord, your hands are full

Like snow-laden boughs of an evergreen.

2.

I have nothing, Lord.

Fill me with the lonely emptiness

From which everything is drained,

Until I am like an empty vase

Left at random on a table.

3.

Something I feel

Of sorrow and ecstasy

Fretting to an irritation.

A moonlight edge of hill,

Ever swept by the wind,

Which I call life.

The whole universe

Glowing white with moonbeams.

4.

A thin thirst is spread in me

Like the violet twilight over a December field.

Crossing over the chilled waters of half-mockery and half-regret,

I proceed toward you, Lord.

Drench my cheeks with hot tears

And drown me in your mercy.

  —  Park Mok-wol (1916-1978)