In Der Palästra

As through the pipes the waters fell down to the bottom of the well
In listless apathy I gazed at the cold waters … - as he bathed
I half behold that scenery and its most sensual masculinity
Yet, disappointment, oh, can't you see, is still the cause and the cardinal symptom of my sick, sad reality.

Silver equals chill, but that suits me just fine. I'm shyly sipping
Water … while he drinks whole jugs of wine. He likes all kind of women, and I … I only HATE … men
He marvels at all things new to him … - and I only wait … for all things in this sick world … to end.

The water pouring down his spine, caressed his strong physique, oh, so well-defined, calm like a rock he stands, oh, behold his beautiful body and soul a friendly God must have built this man to an all well-balanced whole
What sad bewilderment this brought, physical clearness, alas, still so much abhorred
An ancient ghost awoke and fiercely arose in me
It was that old, savage, yet half-forgotten ideal of perfect neutrality.

Silver equals chill, but that suits me just fine. I'm shyly sipping water
While he drinks whole jugs of wine. He likes all kind of women, and I
I only HATE… men
He marvels at all things new to him…
And I only wait… for all things in this sick world… to end.

I somewhat envy this naturally beautiful man, he never knew or encountered the hatred and shame that I bare
The doubt, the cloak of disgust and the all-devouring dread, and if I told him about it
He might only shake his head with kindly amused, melodious laughter
He then would perhaps merely smile at my … oh, so stupid silliness
And the BEAST that is raging inside.