THERE’S JUST "SOMETHING SPECIAL"
by  Sheila Windle
 
 
Some things can not or will not be put into words. 
 

This thought comes to mind when friends and family in North America say, “Tell me about Korea.” Each time, a different response comes forth; each time, with dissatisfaction at its inadequacy. Attempting to capture in words “Korea’s essence” is like trying to capture a spirit. It won’t be held; it won’t be captured. The best I can say is, “There’s something special about it.“

There’s something special ...
 
Up on the hill nearby Pomosa where nobody goes and the wind blows,
dissolving doubt and worry, 
replacing them with its living example ... 
 ... powerful yet gentle,
... unseen yet full of beauty, 
... moving yet ever-present,
there, up on the hill nearby Pomosa where nobody goes and the wind blows, 
 
there’s something special ...
 
... in the rhythm of the Samul Nori band
as the players circle,
moving in time with a pulse begun thousands of years ago, 
beating, clanging, recreating,
carrying on tradition; moving forward,
... in the rhythm of the Samul Nori band, 
 
there’s something special ...
 
... in “Yeulshimi hasseyo,” 
and in the individual who overcomes fear and adversity 
with courage and diligence, 
who finds strength in the message of encouragement, determination and goodwill,
... in “Yeulshimi hasseyo,
 
 there’s something special ...

... in the rain; 
the sky’s tears falling upon us,
settling as melancholy, 
in a calm, blue atmosphere ideal for friendship and soju,
... in the rain.
   A wise Korean professor once said, 
“Western people emphasize answers.
Eastern people emphasize questions.”

  Sometimes we should acknowledge that there is no right or wrong answer. Sometimes  silence is a better option for it allows time to ponder and appreciate the question, and the innumerable new thoughts that might result from it.

   In the future, when someone asks, “What is Korea like?” I will not feel compelled to explain. It might be better to say nothing. A far-away look might take over my face as memories flow by. But if I must speak out of courtesy, perhaps I’ll say, “There’s just something special about Korea.”

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