In Der Palastra — Sopor Aeternus & The Ensemble Of Shadows

In der Pal?stra

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