Benjamin [English translation]

Benjamin from next door and I

we were, at one point,

inseparable

but what was there

it was temporary

our story is really

not very long

I came home late

and had ordered pizza

and in the hall, at eight on the dot,

he introduced himself to me

he was new in town

moved in next to me yesterday

we unpacked some boxes

and sat that night together

and ate pizza

now, all of that's

already weeks ago

first we were in love

and then somehow not, anymore

it was due to way life drives you crazy

that we saw each other with different eyes

I don't think it's bad

that we're still neighbors

it's even practical

when I'm on vacation

for the mail and the houseplants

and the paperboy

but one thing still

makes me lose my mind

I hear his visitors

at night through the wall

benjamin1

and what can I do now,

if you please, about it?

I can't sleep

when I hear them both

who built this building, anyway

out of paper mache

I mean, it's great, actually

when two people love each other

but also kind of a drag

when you're lying next to it

that's why I go out on the balcony

and sleep on concrete

'cause the night is clear and starry

and just wonderful

and that's what they thought next door too,

the lovers

benjamin

all of that's also already weeks ago

first they were so in love

and then somehow not, anymore

it was due to the way life drives you crazy

that they saw each other with different eyes

the wall I share with my neighbor went silent

but for a few days now, lying next to me here, there's

a new man

and his name is

jan2

1. It's impossible to translate the pun about the second syllable of his name, "ja" also meaning "yes," as in "Ben, yes, yes yes oh yes BENJAMIN!"2. another "ja" name of course!

• Artist:Anna Depenbusch