Poem: Jisei (Death Poems), Part II

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Jisei are poems written near to the time of a poet's death. A farewell to the world and an insight into the attitudes of the time. Inspired by Inspired by Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death by Yoel Hoffma 



I.

Let them argue
over a useless corpse:
My soul is free


II.

Life's bitter draught
first tastes sweet on the lips
it lasts for years


III.

Cicada's songs last
scarcely over a season
the forest remembers


IV

The mocking sound of his voice
is finally no more
oh I love the silence!


V.

Sun high in the sky
but the clouds weep bitter tears
go past the darkness.


VI.

When pain stops
the body realizes
euphoric release.


VII.

The painter
puts down her brush
declares her life's work done.


VIII.

It comes for us all
by choice or no
roses at the tombstone.



 















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