A Pebble by KU SANG

On the path before my house every day I meet a pebble that once was kicked by my passing toe. At first we just casually brushed past each other, morning and night, but gradually the stone began to address me and furtively reach out a hand, so that we grew close, like friends. And now each morning the stone, blooming inwardly with flowers of Grace, gives me its blessing, and even late at night it waits watchfully to greet me. Sometimes, flying as on angels’ wings it visits me in my room and explains to me the Mystery of Meeting reveals the immortal nature of Relationship. So now, whenever I meet the stone, I am so uncivilized and insecure that I can only feel ashamed. From “Wastelands of Fire: Selected Poems” by Ku Sang, translated from the Korean by Anthony Teague (Dufour Editions, P.O. Box 449, Chester Springs, Penna. 19425: $16.95 paper). Poems Ku Sang; translations Anthony Teague. Reprinted with permission.