A fascinating read with a very interesting and informative introduction. Did you know that "jisei" is a Japanese tradition to write farewell poems right before they die in preparation of their death? I'd never heard of it before! The introduction to the poems that follow (death poems by Zen Buddhist Monks and an anthology of Haiku written by 300 Japanese poets on the verge of death) is almost over 80 pages and it's such a good read!! And the poems themselves evoke an array of emotions ranging from intriguing and thought-provoking to sad or bittersweet, and beautiful...
Below is a random sample of two of my favorite poems among so many in this book.

Died on the tenth day of the intercalary month, 1555
at the age of sixty.
I raise the mirror of my life
Up to my face: sixty years.
With a swing I smash the reflection---
The world as usual
All in its place.

Haiku by Minteisengan
Died on the fifth day of the fourth month, 1844
at the age of sixty-seven.
Fall, plum petals,
fall---and leave behind the memory
of scent.