"KOREALLISTICALLY SPEAKING," 

There’s a particular joy in overcoming

In fighting to be happy

In working to appreciate.

A joy in terrifying circumstances

In hazardous situations

In no escape

There’s a joy in sorrow

In feelings so strong that your stomach hurts

In discomfort that’s different from pain.

A foot lands softly on a rubber mat 

Strong and stable 

There’s joy.  

Rushing to the KTX
In line
Trench coat
Exhilarated
Alive

Today I am so grateful for my body 

This beautiful flawed body 

That carries me 

And gracefully flows 

And moves me through each day 

With strength;

A curvaceous reflection of who I am 

There’s a pleasant melancholy in what might have been 

I consider, wondering wistfully about dead love

Nights on fire escapes that can no longer be

And though I yearn for what once was

Truthfully 

If I saw you

I’d like to punch you in the stomach.