After visiting Unjusa

After visiting Unjusa

for me, Korea

is the sound of a bell: a dragon released

by people moving, toning, dancing together,

full hearted runners

toward one human core,

messengers in rocks dreaming, chisel faced

past to future

born of one thousand bows,

innocence

of heart and trust,

rounding the old

world tortoise back with bones and tears.

 

Perhaps pain and purpose were both lifted

when its body was vaulted to house

hermit, priest, shaman, offers

food for the hungry

of light

so listen to the ondol river washing its hollows

– adjourn fear, converse with death –

for reborn

ancient prayers, like roots,

guide searching souls, young minds flowering

inner mountains, vision climbs.

 

The land turns temple when evening furrows ash, silk, flesh and ink:

melting crown and saber alike.

This, for me, is Korea: human ore

flagging the valley

as lanterns-perpetual,

showing the way.

(Thanksgiving 2014)

Note 1):  The undated Unjusa Temple and sacred site is believed to have been raised prior to a 15^th century mention on a geographic record

 

References_________________________________________________________________

• toning, dancing together : reference to the two Greek words khoros, khoreia – transl. in English: choir, dance
• full hearted runners: reference to the two Latin words: cor, currere – transl. in English: heart, run
• messengers: synonym to courier