Mind, I have a question for you — How is it you stay so young?
As the years pile up on my body, you too should grow old.
Oh, if I followed your lead, Mind, I would be run out of town.
Notes
Poem origin: Korea, about the 16th century
Poem form: Sijo
Translation by Dr. Larry C. Gross, PhD
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Comments
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The mind does stay young, to a point I think. Barring health issues, the mind and body seem to be at war, as in the expressing "My mind is willing, but my body is weak." I also think the eyes lie. I never really acknowledge age until I see friends from the past standing with THEIR grown children! Somehow, my mirror/mind hide the true image well. Then, grey hair takes over...
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transfered comments
Comments
PrincessTigris on Apr 15, 2004, 1:45 p.m.
Verdict: Excellent
Polka Dots and Moonbeams..., 207 critiques. said:
Very true. I wonder about how the mind is affected whan the body starts to age.
This poem expresses how this must feel and gives terrific insight into a much ignored and little pondered aspect of humanity, especially for younger people.
Must be by the same author as "Withering" Sounds like an older person coming to grips with mortality. (reply?)
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Tdubness on Apr 15, 2004, 2:17 p.m.
, 263 critiques. said:
I like this poem alot very well writin.. Good question and i wondering if your mind could answer you what i would say? Hmmm.. make you wonder lol.. Well keep it up
Todd (reply?)
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arden on Apr 15, 2004, 2:18 p.m.
, 2166 critiques. said:
hmm, seems te older i get, the more frantic and young my mind becomes. it seem to think that it is trapped, and needs an escape. well done here love, i thought the form rather new and interestin... hmm, love the ponderance of the mind...
arden (reply?)
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kay-tee on May 14, 2004, 6:41 p.m.
, 25 critiques. said:
i have a qursion 4 u. how do u get so good at writing poetry?!?!? lol!!! this is awesome and relly good. i hope i can be lyke u when i grow up. maybe i should quit looking on OP now becuz its getting kinda tiring. u r relly good tho, dont be offended, becuz ur in heaven i can tell. u r kool and i luv this poem. becuz its really nice and it has evrythin i lyke in it. thanks 4 sharing asias poem whoever u r. u r a relaly ko9ol person., i worhsip U lol jk but u r stil kool like asia. (reply?)
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AndrewHide on Nov 20, 2004, 7:47
Join the AP school, balance a tanka, 2539 critiques. said:
Ancient Korean Peter Pan.
This is my favourite classical sijo, it can be looked upon as serious or even with a touch of humour. Either way it works, our minds never do seem to feel as old as the rest of our bodies.
A great piece to contemplate or have a chuckle over.
Andrew (reply?)
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tishang 1 hour ago
Poetry is good; good poetry is better., 63 critiques. said:
It might be interesting to mention that this sijo can now be taken out of the anonymous column. (We keep learning more about Korean classical literature almost daily.) The original was written by So Kyongdok, who lived from 1489-1546, in or near Kaesong, the capital city. He was a scholar who managed to avoid political life (not easy in those days!) and spent his life studying and writing in the areas of literature and Confucian philosophy. One of his pupils was Korea's most famous female sijo poet, Hwang Chini, a kaesang entertainer (similar to a geisha) in Kaesong.
--tishang
Edited on Mar 16, 10:47 p.m. because ''.
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