And he took my hand. And kissed with cold lips.
Mabel Meier
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.