Waiting for a Goblin By Yoo An Jin
Translated by Rodney E. Tyson & Hong Eun-Taek
The Quarterly Review: Poetry & Criticism, 4(1), p. 151. Spring 2001.
In broad daylight I wait for a goblin
When my sufferings penetrate and touch the heart of heaven, even the apex of heaven
If I am spiritually enlightened
They say that I can enjoy cold, enjoy starvation, and enjoy even tears of blood
But now I hate it
I would rather go to the bottom inside the ground...to the perfect demilitarized zone
Of emotion piercing, and even piercing into darkness
Possessed, and while possessed, I want to chuckle
I want to become a goblin
Even with my two eyes straining I wait
For something like a fairy tale which is like a dream
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