This poem, extract from the Rückert Lieder and the first song of the ballet, can be used as a synopsis to illustrate the solitude of the poet who sees himself already dead to the world.

Maurice Béjart

I HAVE BECOME A STRANGER TO THE WORLD

I have become a stranger to the world
with which I used to waste so much time,
It has heard nothing from me for so long
that it may very well believe that I am dead!

It is of no consequence to me
Whether it thinks me dead;
I cannot deny it,
for I really am dead to the world.

I am dead to the world’s tumult,
And I rest in a quiet realm!
I live alone in my heaven,
In my love and in my song!

Friedrich Rückert