An Eighth Shot of Espresso: Coffee and Creativity on Mum's Third Shift

  I. Grey skies shine outside a chill still enters the bones It's February. II. A drone to my left hear fussy minute details I dream of big dreams III. Making the best of ashes that slip through my hands find no diamonds. IV. The world has moved on and all my feeble attempts drop in the ocean. V. Mortality looms blackened petals curl and burn return to ether. VI. Name is not spoken true death happens twice over ghost cries silently. VII. When spring comes again thorns surround roses petals remember.

 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 Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death by Yoel Hoffman I. The World here is thin a bit sideways and then up the lightest of steps. II. Roses bloom in summer tears petals like rain carpets the ground my soul smiles. III. Ocean's melody striving to hear a single beat of the deepest heart. Oh, I hear it now! IV. My darling pet leaps into my arms! I missed you so. V. Sometimes words are not necessary when all is already said and done. VI. Cast off winter and step into the warmth of newborn spring. VII. None other than the smile of an old friend. VIII. Witty thoughts fade the gods are laughing IX. Soft and sweet I touch harmony it ushers me to sleep. X. princeps tenuit caput Saluto auroram nihil timendum (head held high I salute the dawn Nothing to fear)