Erinnerung (Remembrance) by Heidi Teetz

 Am Anfang war er ein kleines Licht,
auf der Bühne, da stand er noch nicht.
Wurde erwachsen, schaute ins Leben,
wollte für die Leute sein Bestes nur geben.

Ob Sherlock Holmes oder Richard den Dritten,
seine Grenzen hat er dennoch nicht überschritten.
Trotz so vielen Stresses, war er öfter zu Hause,
brauchte für sich Zeit oder nur eine Pause.

War ein großes Talent, konnte jeden nachspielen,
ihm machte es Freude, ging gern nach seinen Zielen.
Dann später fing er beim Radio an,
und nahm alles auf, was er hat getan.

Doch in den Sechzigern ging es zu Ende,
für ihn kam nun eine neue Wende.
Verstarb ganz plötzlich in seinem Haus,
für den Hollywood-Star ein plötzliches Aus.

REMEMBRANCE

He began as just a tiny light.
The world had not yet seen his might.
Yet as he grew up, it was plain to see,
The stage is where he was meant to be.

Whether Sherlock Holmes or Richard the Third,
His performance was always the best to be heard.
Despite many pressures, he was often home,
Needing time for a break or to just be alone.

So great was his gift he could play any role.
His craft brought him pleasure and nurtured his soul.
Stage, television, radio, and film
All were very much part of him.

But in '67 late in July
This acting legend suddenly died.
When he passed away quietly in his house,
In Hollywood—a star went out.

He remains in our heart; he is always near,
He lives on in his films; he can't disappear.
He'll never fade, he's forever a star.
O Basil Rathbone, how great you are!

Translated and adapted by Anne Harris, 2004