" A Letter from Sorokdo " By Jeong Ho-seung

 A Letter from Sorokdo

                                                      By Jeong Ho-seung

With arms that are not arms, I embrace you;

With feet that are not feet, I go to you.

Wild camellias bloom on the wild camellia trees;

With hands that are not hands, I gather the blossoms—

Petal by petal, I set them afloat upon the sea; please receive them.

Along the seashore where we once walked—

You, with arms that are not arms wrapping around my waist,

And feet that are not feet moving in step with mine—

Come striding toward me now, following the path of camellia petals.

* Sorokdo is an island off the southern coast of Korea where people with Hansen's disease once lived in a community. In the past, access was difficult, requiring a boat ride once or twice a day, but a bridge has since been built, making it easy to visit this beautiful island. It is also the setting for the inspiring story of Marianne and Margareth, two foreign nuns who dedicated their lives to serving those with Hansen's disease.