Anarchistbanjo's World

Otherwise
 
You have described me wonderfully,
How I have almost destroyed your love;
But me—you—you don’t love me,
Otherwise you would love me differently.
 
Otherwise you would want to please your friend,
And not think of reputation and duty,
And I would thankfully press my face
Into your blissful breasts.
 
Otherwise I would not remain so mute,
When you mouth speaks to me of love;
Not I! —No, no, you don’t love me;
Otherwise—oh, otherwise, I would love you!

-Richard Dehmel
translated by Joe Bandel