Umrissmann [English translation]

The many ups and downs

The many trips up and down the stairs

I will never be short of work

And my shoulder hurts from dragging

In the cellar billows a lake of hair

I served you for a hundred years.

I yearned for it

I wanted nothing but to be your husband

You extended my life,

If one can call it “life”

Please release me at last!

You know that our time is long gone

Your light appears to be flickering brighter

Whereas I am burning out much faster

I am becoming a shadow of myself

Standing with my back against the wall

The many to and fros

Feelings, sublime and entrancing

The bodies were so horribly heavy

And my clothes are tattered

Bones stick out of the sea of hair

You made so many promises to me

And yet, you kept none of them

The locks1 have lasted too long already

When will the end of the sacrifices arrive?

When will the final farewell occur?

Please release me at last!

You know that our time is long gone

Your light appears to be flickering brighter

Whereas I am burning out much faster

I am becoming a shadow of myself

Standing with my back against the wall

I wanted only to worship you for so long,

Now I am no longer me, and I’m distorted

Instead of your skin I feel wallpaper.

I sense, I will soon be discarded

I’m almost unable to travel the passageways

In which you no longer whisper loving words

Even though I’m still very attached to you,

I know that you need a new one

Please let me go at last!

This spot will never be a final resting place

Can you not understand the wish?

My star, I’m only a silhouette

Please release me at last!

You know that our time is long gone

Your light appears to be flickering brighter

Whereas I am burning out much faster

I am becoming a shadow of myself

Standing with my back against the wall

1. of hair