Autumn

Maeng Sa-song (1360–1438)

As autumn enters this land of rivers and lakes,
even the fishes have become fat.
From a small boat, I fling my fishing net,
and let it trail with the tide.
This body’s pleasure is also a debt
we owe to our great king.

Maeng Sa-song, born in 1360, was a philosopher, poet, and prime minister under King Sejong (1418-50). He died in 1438.

This poem is in the public domain.