I did not know what sort of creature I was; as time went on I gradually became aware. Then each day, day after day, I remained staring after the many needle paths, after the countless needle paths, and in the paths of my needle there would take form many swirling patterns, countless swirling patterns. The upper clothing racks and the lower clothing racks would bend down under the weight of the beautiful robes which I had embroidered. There was a brilliant glittering over the clothing racks where hung the beautiful robes which I had embroidered. One day a young man came. I married him. and we lived on. from Ainu "Song of a Human Woman"