Published on 27 Sep 1998 (ISBN: 8986813041), “Spiritual Poem 1” is Pastor Jung Myung Seok’s first book on poetry.

We feature the first poem in this book, titled “Never-changing Heart.” The poet writes this poem with the heart that never changes as a bride towards the heavens, even if the situation may seem detestable or unfavorable.

Never Changing Heart

I like it, though it is detestable.
I like it, though it is unfavorable.
Would I discard it simply because it’s unfavorable?
Would I forget about it just because it’s detestable?
With rouge on my cheeks and lips,*
On the path of a thousand years I have come, riding on a palanquin,
Never again turning back.

(*Translator’s note: For traditional Korean weddings, the bride adorns herself with rouge on her cheeks and lips.)

“Never-changing heart” poem from Spiritual Poem 1.

A Palanquin, where a bride sits and is carried to her groom.

일편단심

미워도 나는 좋아

싫어도 나는 좋아

싫다고 버릴쏘냐

밉다고 잊을쏘냐

연지 찍고 곤지 찍고

가마타고 오던 천년길을

다시는 돌아가지 않으리라

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