Ginseng as a Potted Plant: A Northern Medicinal Herb That Can Also Be Grown in the South

The ginseng plant is born in the north, yet now it must journey south.

It should have been sleeping soundly beneath the shade of trees in a world of ice and snow, carrying with it a wisp of the northern air, trying to step into the warm, gentle breeze and fine rain of the south.

You, can you give me a patch of sunlight by my windowsill or on my desk, so I can enjoy the bright spring sun together with you?

I need no more attention or care, only that you quietly wait for me to wake.

The green dyed in ink is the vibrant life of Changbai Mountain.

Lazily lifting my head, so that I may see clearly the face that tends to me with such care.

Basking in the sunlight of a foreign land, I do not feel lost, because you are there to shield me from wind and sun.

Every inch of my growth comes from the power of your meticulous care.

Before, I was a blade of grass growing in the snowy realm, belonging nowhere.

Now, I am a tiny ginseng growing by the window, enjoying your love all to myself.

In my curled leaves is wrapped a trace of northern homesickness, and the power of life that the southern sun gives me.

Leaves gently unfurling, a flower at the top, living up to the spring light and turning toward freedom.

I can feel your earnest expectations, and your lingering gaze.

I hope I can live up to the spring light and grow wild and free.

I also hope to chase the sunlight, brimming with vitality.

I gave it my all, and bloomed a flower that is not especially showy.

Though the flower is not beautiful, what I give you is the most beautiful thing I have.

Petals fall, seeds form; lush and thriving by your window, I am no longer a delicate seedling.

Instead, I am striving to nurture a gift for you.

The color of sunlight settles in the ginseng berry.

It reminds me of you and me when we first met.

Not knowing what to do.

The bright red berry is my reward to you for your careful tending through this year's cycle.

Thank you, for giving me a patch of sunlight, letting me accompany you through peaceful days.