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
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.