In der Palästra - Sopor Aeternus & The Ensemble Of Shadows

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