Tears of Our Compatriots

Tears of Our Compatriots
Yong Wan Choi 01.22.11
A barren land frozen in terror of public executions
limbs bound in loyalty
eyes blindfolded, a gag in the mouth
freedom lost, in a thirst full of grief and han
my own blood, straining to stay alive, without laughter
children I long to see, parents passing away
brothers and sisters of the South
stretch out your arms and take hold of the other side
thrust out your warm hearts and embrace with both arms
let gladdened tears pour down like a sudden shower
brothers and sisters of the North
there where you live deceived by lies
break down the locked doors
run out into a bright world of true light
let tears of freedom overflow the spirit of Cheonji on Baekdusan
in this land the whole world watches with open eyes
let us find our ancestors' spirit and live as one