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 have beheld that scenery And it's 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 kinds 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 body and soul A friendly God must have built this man To an all well-balanced whole What sad bewilderment of 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 kinds 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 bear 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