speckles; spotted pattern
pseudonym of a haiku poet
(my) wife; inside the home; one's family
change of key (during piece); modulation
sad sound; plaintive melody
sumi; India ink; squid ink; octopus ink; carpenter's inking string
good (quality, condition, etc.); Good (grade); B
to watch for an unguarded moment
to decrease (in size or number); to diminish; to abate
treasuring; cherishing; prizing; holding dear
Ming dynasty (China, 1368-1644)
stinging; smarting; on edge; nervous; ripping; peeling
phrase (verse, line); one haiku-poem
rape blossoms; rapeseed flowers
fine thread; hempen cord; slender; narrow; narrowness
drip; fall drop-by-drop; suddenly (of drops of water)
crossly; angrily; strongly smelling; reeking
suddenly; abruptly; unexpectedly
to give (as a gift); to present; to confer; to bestow; to award
speech and conduct; words and deeds
lacking skill; uninspiring; unexciting; dull; unrefined; boring (from being too plain)
to strive; to endeavour; to endeavor; to make an effort; to be zealous
disposition; inclination; characteristic; sexual disposition; fetish
self-hatred; self-abhorrence; self-loathing
the person in question; the person themselves; said person
reservation; putting on hold; deferment
diverse arguments arising in great numbers
break (in the weather, esp. rain or snow); interval of clear weather; patch of blue sky; (arch.) period of serenity
particle; atom; little piece; not at all; not the slightest
tale; short story; sketch comedy; skit
handrail; railing; banister