Dream
By Kim Sam-On
A hunter hurried a horse, hopping and trotting,
Surprising birds and four-legged wild beasts,
And traversing forests and mountains with such fervor and spirit.
“Whoa! What is that?”
It appeared to be standing on this quiet terrain.
The young hunter, with wary eyes, flew to intercept, bow in hand.
With an arrow drawn, the hunter suddenly pulled back.
He observed intently for a while, but his target appeared to be unconcerned.
The longer he observed, the more enchanting his target became.
Arrow dropped from his hand, the hunter lunging forward.
Arms wide open, he started to serenade,
“Ah, a beautiful deer!
Under the vast sky, I am standing, living the life of freedom."
With extended hands, the hunter caressed and stroked,
Turning the deer's head this way and that.
With his eyes half-closed, he softly spoke.
The hunter smiled happily as birds and wildflowers sang and danced,
Their fragrance reaching far and wide.
The hunter opened his eyes as if waking from a dream, abruptly and startlingly.
The hunter stared, as if his eyes were deceiving him,
As the deer's scent changed and its body turned into that of a lady.
"Ah, my angel! With such a lovely face, you are truly stunning.
Oh, fair one, it is my good fortune to have you within my grasp.
Nay! Do you love me, precious one?"
The lovely, shy lady remained silent.
"Please talk!" The hunter implored, but she dashed and hurried away.
Flauntingly, the hunter started to sing and dance.
Feeling a thrill, he seized her and embraced her in his dance.
"With a graceful and slim waist, my lovely angel, you dance beautifully!"
She leaned her head against the hunter as he serenaded.
She daintily danced, soaring toward the sky.
Dancing through clouds, they sliced through the rolling wind, singing a love song.
Finally coming awake, the hunter opened his eyes and murmured,
“Ah, it was just only a dream."
