Poems of Yang Geum-Hee (South Korea)

Poetess Ms. Yang Geum-Hee has published four poetry collections and has won eight literary awards. She has published poetry collections such as Happiness Account, Ieodo: The Island of Legend and Reality, Nests of Birds (published in Taiwan), and Nests of Birds(English-Korean poetry book). Additionally, she has written the research book Inheritance of Ieodo Culture and the essay collection A Happy Companion on the Journey. In recognition of her extensive international literary contributions, she was awarded an honorary doctorate by the International Forum for Creativity and Humanity (President Dr. Aziz Mountassir) in the Kingdom of Morocco in March 2025. She was the founding President of the Ieodo Literature Association, editor-in-chief of Jejuin News, a researcher at the Jeju Sea Grant Center, a specially appointed professor at Jeju International University, and the 2nd President of the Korean Association of World Literature. Currently, she serves as an editorial writer for Samda Ilbo, 12th President of Jeju PEN, and Vice President of the Korean Peace Cooperation. Her poetry has been translated and introduced in various countries, including USA, China, Russia, Italy, Germany, Egypt, Greece, Belgium, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Kosovo, Albania, Vietnam, Mexico, South America, Kyrgyzstan,  Kazakhstan and India.
 
 
 
 
 
The Light That Illuminates the World
 
When darkness falls and shadows grow,
the light may fade or fiercely glow.
 
At the edge where dark meets bright,
when the flame is lost to sight,
we close our eyes and pray for light.
 
The light that shines will chase the night,
turning gloom to colors bright.
Leaves that dance in golden rays
are born from night’s departed haze.
 
From ancient ice to cosmic streams,
it lingers deep in endless dreams.
Beyond despair, where hope stands tall,
a blazing flame will never fall.
 
It glows where freedom knows no end,
where right and wrong may twist and bend.
 
Though its source remains unknown,
within the truth its glow has grown.
And through the ages, bold and free,
it shines for all eternity.
 



The Power Within Me
 
In the world I live and see,
my childhood lingers, wild and free,
teaching strength from mountains high,
waves that dance and touch the sky,
and flowers blooming gracefully.
 
Though winds may try to tear apart
the dreams once planted in my heart,
a rainbow forms, a bridge so wide,
where hope and wings grow strong inside.
And so, my dreams rise tall and bright,
bathed in youth’s enduring light.
 
Now upon these roots I stand,
ready to soar, to take command.
 
Within my soul, so fierce, so true,
the mountains call, the waves break through,
the flowers shine in golden hue.
They whisper soft, they sing, they cheer,
"Move ahead—there's nothing to fear!"




The Wind And Water Do Not Fight
 
No matter how deep the scars may be,
the wind and water still stay free.
They hold no grudge, they bear no spite,
revenge is never in their sight.
 
With lips, they’d never curse or cry,
with strength, they’d simply drift on by.
 
When met with walls both rough and tall,
they glide with grace, they do not stall.
They do not fight, they do not stay,
they bow, they turn, then slip away.
 
No path too twisted, none too tight,
the wind won’t ask, the waves take flight.
Through day and night, through dark and bright,
they find their way, no need for sight.




The Seed of Poetry
 
Poetry is a tiny seed,
waiting for the light it needs.
It sprouts where hearts and eyes embrace,
in joy, in love, in time and space.
 
Where will you plant it? Where will it grow?
The moment you choose, its roots will show.
 
Like cacti bloom in desert air,
poetry thrives everywhere.
A feather-light and fleeting thing,
it rides the wind on gentle wing.
Yet even in the smallest sand,
it finds a place to take a stand.
 
Close your eyes, breathe in deep,
let its whispers softly creep.
In the garden of your soul,
watch it flourish, bright and whole.
 
The power is yours, the choice is clear,
just plant the seed, and words appear.
 



The Wind doesn't Ask the Way
 

No matter how much time goes by,
Wind never getting older
Even thoughWinddoesn’t have a mouth
Wind always say something What have to say
Even though Wind doesn’t have eyes
Never lose her direction
 
When Wind face an angular face,
Wind alwaysblowing somewhere else,
Without scratching or hurting
Wind Never stay,
even though face soft face
 
When can I run on the crooked road on the earth,
without asking for directions



©®Yang Geum-Hee