Translated by Brother Anthony and Susan Hwang
There are also wounds on blades of grass,
there are also wounds on petals.
As I walk along the field paths
where you and I once walked together,
when I sit by the field path
and gaze at the glow of sunset
wounded blades of grass
wave their hands.
Petals with many wounds
smell sweetest.
This poem proclaims the universality of wounds, not as a source of sorrow but as a source of compassion, fellowship and beauty. It is impossible to go through life without being hurt. The speaker recalls a past time when “you and I” were together. Separation has happened, bringing pain, but the grass and petals wave and waft fragrance in welcome, teaching that wounds make flowers and people sweeter.