Translated by Chae-Pyong Song

Painted by Kang Jang-won

Magnolias Bloom and Wither by Hong Hae-ri

The ephemeral lamps kindled by tears
that overflow with sorrow,

like the most innocent
saintly girls,

now clamorous
as they rush to disrobe,

soon after, sloppy,
the corpses of the fallen angels.

목련꽃 피고지고/ 洪 海 里

슬픔이 절절 흐르는
눈물로 켠 저 찰나의 등

가장 순수한
성녀 같더니

다투어 옷을 찢느라
왁자지껄

금세 질척하니
추락한 천사의 시체.

Annie Rashid and Darcy Brandel read the earlier versions of this translation.