When my bones have bleached and blended
What new life will come to me?
I shall be a towering pine
at the top of Mt. Diamond.
Between snow white home and heaven
I'll stand tall and ever green.
Poem Origin: Korea, 1456
Poem translation © 2001 by Dr. Larry Gross
This translation is not in the public domain.
Notes
When King Sejong died, Tanjong, the legitimate heir known as The Boy King, was ousted in a coup by his uncle. Song was suspected of plotting to restore the deposed heir and was put to death, along with his father, three brothers, four sons and five colleagues. It is said that he wrote this verse while being transported to his execution. It is still recited by school children.
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