A Candle From the Far East

By Y.T. Kim

In his first collection of English poems, Korean writer Young-Tae Kim presents a remarkable anthology of work with themes ranging from political musings on an international scale to living well in an increasingly global world. Kim offers a unique blend of the modern and traditional, as overtones of the poet’s Eastern cultural roots permeate each page. In addition to musings on present-day society, A Candle from the Far East (Poems) offers reflections on more emotional themes—such as the growth of deep and profound love, alienation of once close friendships over time, and finding purpose through spiritual growth—culminating in a beautifully rich collection of works that have universal applicability. The end result is a collection that readers will turn to time and time again and one that successfully shares wisdom and contributes to the well-being of all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hillcrest Media Group
• Release date: Oct 6, 2017
• ISBN: 9781545604984

Book preview

Table of Contents

Humanity

Grand Master

Incarnation of Dreams

Friendship

Best Friends

Name

Factors of Success

Happiness

Love

A Taxi Driver in Seoul

Communicate

Praises

Temptations

Seven

Vagabond

Lake Ilgam of Konguk University

Kite

Haeng-Ju Hill Fortress

Hokkaido

Fall of 2016

2. Sky Lantern (天灯) of Shifen (十分): Sending Wishes to the Sky

3. Yehliu Geological Park (野柳地質公園)

4. Taipei 101 (Taipei World Financial Center)

5. Hualien (花蓮)

6. The National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Wellness and Health

If You Want to Be Happy

Snow White

Dining

Conversations

Greetings

Prayer

Exercises

Age

Several Quotients of Mental Age

Recovery

Killer Stress

Anti-Disaster Genes

World

Silk Road

A Candle from the Far East

Challenge of Alphago

Devotion

Korean Value

Forgiving

Challenges for the Global Welfare

Particulates

Crisis

Chaos to Avoid

Universe

AIBrain, Inc.

Leadership

Keep Calm and Carry On

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© 2017 by Y.T. Kim

All rights reserved solely by the author. The author guarantees all contents are original and do not infringe upon the legal rights of any other person or work. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without the permission of the author. The views expressed in this book are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America.

ISBN-13: 9781545604984

Humanity

Grand Master

By Karma, I met my Master Pi¹

When I applied for a college to learn.

My Master lectured English Literature to me

In a clear and ringing voice attractive to yearn.

I volunteered to attend his class with zeal

And rendered services of teaching text support.

Whenever I had a chance of visit to appeal,

To Papa, So-Young² called my name to report.

When I could not continue to work at side,

He recommended me to a school in Seoul.

He strongly guaranteed no betrayal to my bride;

In a blessing speech at the cheerful wedding hall.

I wonder why it took so long to cite

A fiction and poems he stirred me to write.

Y.T.Kim at the side of his Grand Master’s statue

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¹ Master Pi: Professor Cheon-Deuk Pi (May 29, 1920~May 25, 2007) A Korean poet, essayist, translator, and educator. Professor of English Literature at Seoul National University.

² So-Young: Professor So-Young Pi (1946~). Daughter of Master Pi. Professor of Physics, Boston University,

Incarnation of Dreams

I dreamt in my childhood,

To become a poet, a diplomat, a creator.

Fulfilling none until my manhood,

I became a business generator.

I died four times in operations,

And revived from unconsciousness.

I appreciated God’s incarnation,

To pursue the dream to generate greatness.

I pray every day to God three times

Curing my diseases and replacing my hip joints,

In appreciation for God’s blessing chimes,

For protecting my health on painful points.

Like a dandelion, I will fly high, scattering everywhere,

Like Sisyphus, I will push a rock uphill.

With agony and torture coming from nowhere,

I will roll the stone to the bottom and be still.

Bees and butterflies swarm to my land of hope,

Whispering to tell where honey can be found.

Oh Lord, please lead us to work hard in full scope

To be gay, cheerful, and productive all years round.

Friendship

From childhood, I had friends of hope,

Playing with