31Tsurezuregusa (Essays in Idleness)

Trs. Kenneth L. Richard, July, 2004

One morning after a particularly noticeable snowfall, I had occasion to write to a friend. I sent out the note without a mention of the snow, and this was the reply: “I find it terribly rude of you to not have mentioned a word about the extraordinary snow. I have a mind not to accept your letter. Just plain awful behavior!” I never forgot this, and now that she is gone, it is even more difficult to put out of my mind.