Consider Chese ohoughis by Debbie J. Thompson Owner/Funeral Director/CPC FAREWELL POEM TO LIFE One of the most eloquent examples of final words left behind by dying individuals can be found in the Japanese tradition of the "death poem," which is written as death approaches. While these "farewell poems to life" are occasionally written in the three-line, 17-syllable haiku form, the most common type of death poem, a "jisei," consists of five lines totaling 31 syllables. Often written by Zen monks and other literate individuals, these poems are characterized as graceful, natural, and neutral in emotion that adhere to religious teachings. Instead of mentioning death directly, the poetry uses metaphoric suggestions such as sunsets and falling cherry blossoms. Neither a will nor a eulogy, a death poem is intended as a reflective farewell gesture. Death is a natural part of life. When you live with intention, which involves looking toward death and preparing for it, you crush its power to keep you from living fully. A funeral service can mark the significance of the life that was lived. To learn more, please call or visit our beautiful funeral home. Our staff is committed to providing your family with the highest quality care and service in your time of need. Celebrating Lives and Healing Hearts. QUOTE: "Au last Iam leaving: in rainless skies a full moon... pure is my heart." Senseki Thompson SPRING GROVE FUNERAL HOME 8103 Wilmot Road . Spring Grove 815-675-0550 www.ThompsonSpringGrove.com