Found Poem

You have lived for 20 years or more.
You feel that you are floating in the air.
Breathe deeply three times. Then you are no more.

Transcend life and death. Spirit and skill are one.
Totally disregard your earthly life.
You have lived for 20 years or more.

Prepare well your inner self. Harmonise your height.
Do not waste your life lightly. Do your best.
Breathe deeply three times. Then you are no more.

A loyal fighting man is a pure-hearted filial son.
You see your mother’s face. It is her usual face.
You have lived for 20 years or more.

Speed has increased by a few thousand-fold.
The spirits of your dead comrades are watching you.
Breathe deeply three times. Then you are no more.

You may hear a final sound like the breaking of crystal.
All the cherry blossoms will smile brightly at you.
You have lived for 20 years or more.
Breathe deeply three times. Then you are no more.

(From the Kamikaze Pilots Manual, tr. Albert Axell.)