It was late. I heard the sounds of trucks passing frequently. In
the distance I saw people. On a corner two people were standing
who... felt ashamed as I drew near.
Girls came, who were late. A few, who wanted to earn money. I saw
the tall whore, who worked this area every night. I recognized her
by her slip.
A detective was watching me. In front of me a woman was walking, who
stood still often and wailing.
I did not think about it. I looked up at the stars and found nothing
to wish for. I looked at myself with indifference, like a foreign
object. I shook my head, that the old man was walking alone so
late... and murmured to the stars.. and it's so strange.
I met a woman who said: "Ah--" I said: "may I accompany you?" The
woman said: "Please." It was quite dark.
We went along together; the woman said that her name was Meier; but
her first name was Mieze. She lived with relatives; they employed a
doorman. In addition, she sang in a chorus.
The woman was neither beautiful nor young, but she seemed
approachable. I had no reason to be shy.
In front of the house in which the woman lived we stopped.
I suggested that we look for a hotel. The woman was not averse; she
said: "No-" I said: "Why?" The woman said: "Papa" I said: "The you
don't want--" A smile came over the woman's face. She looked at a
street lamp--