Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death

Raizan has died
to pay for the mistake
of being born:
for this he blames no one,
and bears no grudge.

Raizan

Since time began
the dead alone know peace.
Life is but melting snow.

Nandai

My morning porridge,
and then I'll go see
the willow blossom.

Kusamaru

A broken dream--
where do they go
the butterflies?

Ichimu