Gentleness is a superhuman quality which is unfound among the majority. Hence, its upholders deserve respect— asserts Jaihoon in this poem.

The rose to the nightingale
Once complained,
“Why do I cry when
My heart is a little strained?”

I can bear no sad affair
I can see no one suffer

Tell me, is this
A noble trait?

Any words you have
To make me bright?

The Nightingale
Thought for a while
And said to make
The Rose smile

“O kindhearted Rose!
In cry is a joy
The selfish one
Can never enjoy

Blessed are you
For this gentle heart
A hue so unfound
In the modern life-art

Men and women are
No longer compassionate
For wealth alone
Are they passionate

Forget this world
And its mean creatures
Be proud of your tears
Which flow as rivers

Take it from me,
O sweet one
Remember this
When tears run-

For every drop
Of tear shed-
He will give you
An ocean of roses-red


May 18th 2004.