Nanao Sakaki, internationally renowned as a contemporary Taoist sage/poet, departed to become another part of the wide Universe on the Winter Solstice December 23, 2008. His collection BREAK THE MIRROR is a must-have, but I would suggest buying ANY book by Nanao whenever you can.

From Gary Snyder: "Nanao has taken off to walk the star path."

All Good Things - Jobe

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Nanao Sakaki (1923 – 2008)

"Manifesto"

Hokkaido island will be an independent country.
Because the sea of Okhutsk, the mother ocean
dyes your heart pure indigo.
Because the primeval forest of Shretoko peninsula
dyes your heart pure green.
Because the snow-covered Sarobetsu wasteland
dyes your heart pure white.

Hokkaido island will be an independent country.
Because yeddo spruces soar in clouds.
Because giant angelica flowers flame up in summer.
Because there are countless edible plants and mushrooms.

Hokkaido island will be an independent country.
Because you could see irreplaceable wild beings -
grizzly bears, Blakiston's fish owls,
black woodpeckers and Parnassus butterflies.

Hokkaido island will be an independent country
Because you can meet wonderful human animals -
fishermen, farmers, mountain men, hobos,
musicians, artists, poets.

Hokkaido island will be an independent country
Because you can love delightful birds -
kids, women and men.

This island is made as a garland
No nuclear power plants
No agri-chemicals
No big corporations
No authorities
No arms.

We call this island Moshiri, the Peaceful Land -
after the Ainu's name
Now together with
Alaska, Tierra del Fuego, New Guinea, Yunnan and Siberia
let's start a Pacific Basin union.

And together with
Andromeda nebula, Orion constellation and
Magellanic clouds
let's start a Federation
for the Universe.

"Let's Eat Stars"

Believe me, children!
God made
Sky for airplanes
Coral reefs for tourists
Farms for agrichemicals
Rivers for dams
Forests for golf courses
Mountains for ski resorts
Wild animals for zoos
Trucks and cars for traffic tragedies
Nuclear power plants for ghost dance.
Don't worry, children!
The well never dries up.
Look at the evening glow!
Sunflowers in the garden.
Red dragonflies in the air.
A small child starts singing:
"Let's eat stars?"
"Let's eat stars

"Break The Mirror"

In the morning
After taking cold shower
—–what a mistake—–
I look at the mirror.

There, a funny guy,
Grey hair, white beard, wrinkled skin,
—–what a pity—–
Poor, dirty, old man!
He is not me, absolutely not.

Land and life
Fishing in the ocean
Sleeping in the desert with stars
Building a shelter in the mountains
Farming the ancient way
Singing with coyotes
Singing against nuclear war–
I’ll never be tired of life.
Now I’m seventeen years old,
Very charming young man.

I sit down quietly in lotus position,
Meditating, meditating for nothing.
Suddenly a voice comes to me:
"To stay young,
To save the world,
Break the mirror."

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