Title

Sachliche Romanze

1

And when they had known one another for eight years

(and one can say they knew each other well),

They suddenly misplaced their love

As other people would a cane or a hat.
 

5

They were sad, deceived themselves gaily,

tried kisses as if nothing were wrong

and looked at each other and didn't know what else to do.

Then finally she cried. And he stood there.

Out the window one could see ships.

10

He said, it's already quarter after four

and time to go drink a coffee somewhere.

Next door somebody practiced piano.

They went to the smallest cafe in town

and stirred around in their cups.

15

In the evening they were still sitting there.

They sat alone, and they said not a word

and they simply could not catch it again.
 

Englische Übersetzung: M. Thatcher