ritual highlight of the Dol, traditional Korean celebration of a child’s first birthday
You’ve traveled with us once around the sun
And now the table’s full with food – and fate.
What will it be? The time to choose has come.
A clock’s hands cut like knives – just like the one
Within your reach. Choose that, you’ll decorate
Your gourmet kitchen’s travels round the sun
With Michelin stars. Or if that book looks fun,
It will confer the gift to cogitate
On much – on what should be, when choices come.
The special clothes you’re wearing all hand-spun
– Fine thread! Reach through that spool’s round, magic gate,
You’ll lengthen these your travels round the sun.
Your hunger, now and ever, will be done
For, if a rice cake now will satiate
Your grasp of what will be. The time has come
To reach, in pure unknowing. Everyone,
No matter what you choose, will celebrate
Your travel with us here around the sun.
Which will it be? The time to choose has come.
For Imogen Myunghee Conner-Lee, February 2016
