Gemartert

Ein gutes Tier
Ist das Klavier,
Still, friedlich und bescheiden,
Und muß dabei
Doch vielerlei
Erdulden und erleiden.

Der Virtuos
Stürzt darauf los
Mit hochgesträubter Mähne.
Er öffnet ihm
Voll Ungestüm
Den Leib, gleich der Hyäne.

Und rasend wild,
Das Herz erfüllt
Von mörderlicher Freude,
Durchwühlt er dann,
Soweit er kann,
Des Opfers Eingeweide.

Wie es da schrie,
Das arme Vieh,
Und unter Angstgewimmer
Bald hoch, bald tief
Um Hilfe rief,
Vergeß ich nie und nimmer.

Collection: 
1904

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