Zen Death Haiku II

Once again
the melon-cool moon
rises above the rice fields.
�Tanko (1665-1735), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

At long last I depart:
above me are rainless skies and a pristine moon
as pure as my heart.
�Senseki (1712-1742), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

Cuckoo, lift
me up
to where clouds drift ...
�Uko (1686-1743), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

Sixty-six,
setting sail through tranquil waters,
a breeze-blown lotus.
�Usei (1698-1764), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

Returning
as it came,
this naked worm.
�Shidoken (?-1765), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

Brittle cicada shell,
little did I know
you were my life!
�Shuho (?-1767), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

As dew glistens
on a lotus leaf,
so too I soon must vanish.
�Shinsui (1720-1769), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

Is it me the raven screeches for
from the spirit world
this frigid morning?
�Shukabo (1717-1775), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

To prepare for my voyage beyond,
let me don
a gown of flowers.
�Setsudo (1715-1776), loose translation by Michael R. Burch