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Little Creatures
Song Cycle by Gary Bachlund (b. 1947)
View original-language texts alone: Kleine Wesen
Viel passiert zu allen Zeiten In der Welt der Kleinigkeiten. Stimmt bald ernst und stimmt bald heiter. -- So, nun blätt're, bitte, weiter.
Authorship:
- by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Gary Bachlund) , "Introduction", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
Much occurs at various times In this world of tiny rhymes. It could be serious, or comic too, So please then, friend, continue.
Authorship:
- by Gary Bachlund (b. 1947), "Introduction", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2009-03-14
Line count: 4
Word count: 23
Ein Federchen flog über Land; Ein Nilpferd schlummerte im Sand. Die Feder sprach: "Ich will es wecken!" Sie liebte, andere zu necken. Aufs Nilpferd setzte sich die Feder Und streichelte sein dickes Leder. Das Nilpferd öffnete den Rachen Und mußte ungeheuer lachen.
Authorship:
- by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Gary Bachlund) , "The feather", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
A little feather flew over the land; A hippopotamus slept beneath on sand. The feather said, "I will disturb it!" It thought quite so to perturb it. So the feather played the clown And tickled with its tickly down. The hippo opened wide its jaw And let out a huge guffaw.
Authorship:
- by Gary Bachlund (b. 1947), "The feather", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2009-03-14
Line count: 8
Word count: 51
Es war einmal ein kleiner Funke. Das war ein großer Erzhallunke. Er sprang vom Herd und wie zum Spaß Gerade in ein Pulverfaß. Das Pulverfaß, das knallte sehr; Da kam so fort die Feuerwehr Und spritzte dann mit Müh und Not Das Feuer und das Fünkchen tot.
Authorship:
- by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Gary Bachlund) , "The spark", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
A little spark would soon surprise Quite with its destruction's cries. It sprang from stove to its own peril And landed in a powder barrel. The powder, black, exploded then And this brought out the firemen Who watered down this emergency So that fire and spark lost their urgency.
Authorship:
- by Gary Bachlund (b. 1947), "The spark", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2009-03-14
Line count: 8
Word count: 49
Der gute König Magarone Trug einen Stein in seiner Krone. Es war ein schöner Edelstein, Er funkelte wie Sonnenschein. Ein böser König kam aus Polen, Um sich den Edelstein zu holen. Sie stritten sich fast zehn Minuten, Der böse König mit dem guten. Dann kam ein fürchterlicher Krieg. Der gute König kam zum Sieg. Und schenkte -- weil er sich so freute -- Den Edelstein an arme Leute.
Authorship:
- by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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- ENG English (Gary Bachlund) , "The gemstone", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
Good king Magarone placed a fine gem In middle of his regal diadem. A rarest gemstone quite so fine, It glistened like the sun's bright shine. An evil king came out from Poland To take that gemstone to his lowland. They argued much for minutes ten, As argumentative regal men. Then there came an awful war But Magarone won, and thereby swore To charity the stone be given, For his people had with him striven.
Authorship:
- by Gary Bachlund (b. 1947), "The gemstone", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2009-03-14
Line count: 12
Word count: 75
Es schwebte eine Seifenblase Aus einem Fenster auf die Straße. "Ach, nimm mich mit Dir," bat die Spinne Und sprang von einer Regenrinne. Und weil die Spinne gar nicht schwer, Fuhr sie im Luftschiff übers Meer. Da nahte eine böse Mücke, Sie stach ins Luftschiff voller Tücke. Die Spinne mit dem Luftschiff sank Ins kalte Wasser und ertrank.
Authorship:
- by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Gary Bachlund) , "The soap bubble", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
A soap bubble hovered as it flew Towards a window's street-side view. "Oh, take me away," a spider cried out, While springing from his gutter spout. And as the spider's weight was light, They flew on towards the sea that night. But then there came a nasty midge, The soap bubble to hemorrhage. The ship of spider and of bubble Sank into a sea of trouble.
Authorship:
- by Gary Bachlund (b. 1947), "The soap bubble", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2009-03-14
Line count: 10
Word count: 66
Es fiel einmal ein Kuckucksei Vom Baum herab und ging entzwei. Im Ei da war ein Krokodil; Am ersten Tag war's im April.
Authorship:
- by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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- ENG English (Gary Bachlund) , "The egg", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
A cuckoo's egg dropped from a tree And broke apart due to gravity. Inwards was found a crocodile, An April Fool's surprise reptile.
Authorship:
- by Gary Bachlund (b. 1947), "The egg", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2009-03-14
Line count: 4
Word count: 23
Herr Müller hatte einen Floh, Der stach Herrn Müller irgendwo. Herr Müller dankte für die Ehre, Dann nahm er seine lange Schere Und schnitt ihn in zwei gleiche Teile. Jedoch, nach einer kurzen Weile, Da wurden aus dem einen Floh Zwei neue Flöh' daraus. -- Oho! Da sprach der eine von den beiden: "Man muß nicht einen Floh zerschneiden."
Authorship:
- by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Gary Bachlund) , "The flea", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
Mister Miller had a flea, That bit him somewhere inwardly. Mister Miller was quite impressed, And fetched some scissors for this pest That it might soon be cut in two. But soon from flea-parts' residue What seemed just one now became two Who took the place of the flea he slew. Then said one flea unto his friend: "Snipping fleas in two is not the end."
Authorship:
- by Gary Bachlund (b. 1947), "The flea", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2009-03-14
Line count: 10
Word count: 66
Ein Schneider eine Nadel fand, Die stach den Schneider in die Hand. Der Schneider sprang entsetzt zurück, Die Nadel sprach, ich bring' dir Glück. Der König hörte Schneiders Leid, Und er bestellte sich ein Kleid. Der Schneider nähte dieses gleich; Am andern tage war er reich. So hat die Nadel über Nacht Dem armen Schneider Glück gebracht.
Authorship:
- by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Gary Bachlund) , "The sewing pin", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
A tailor's hand found a sewing pin which found its pointed way through skin. The tailor was thereby full dumbstruck As the needle said loud, "I'll bring you luck." The king heard of this good luck tale And bought up his many clothes for sale. The tailor stitched with all his might And earned much profit which was right. So did a sewing pin instantaneously Make for luck most curiously.
Authorship:
- by Gary Bachlund (b. 1947), "The sewing pin", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2009-03-14
Line count: 10
Word count: 70
Ein Samenkorn lag auf dem Rücken, Die Amsel wollte es zerpicken. Aus Mitleid hat sie es verschont Und wurde dafür reich belohnt. Das Korn, das auf der Erde lag, Das wuchs und wuchs von Tag zu Tag. Jetzt ist es schon ein hoher Baum Und trägt ein Nest aus weichem Flaum. Die Amsel hat das Nest erbaut; Dort sitzt sie nun und zwitschert laut.
Authorship:
- by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Gary Bachlund) , "The seed", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
A bit of seed was lying around When a blackbird espied it on the ground. "While I could dine upon this feast, I'll pity take on this seed, at least." Because the blackbird left it lie, The seed had time to grow quite high. And now it is a great large tree With nests snuggled high quite blissfully. That blackbird built its nest above, And sang quite loud of nesting love.
Authorship:
- by Gary Bachlund (b. 1947), "The seed", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2009-03-14
Line count: 10
Word count: 71
Ein Wassertropfen fiel vom Himmel; Es war ein ungezog'ner Lümmel. Im Grase schlief ein dummer Hase, Der Tropfen fiel auf seine Nase. Der Hase dachte sich dabei, Daß er jetzt totgeschossen sei. Er sprang in seinem großen Schreck Aus seinem sicheren Versteck. Der Jägersmann stand an der Straße Und schoß ihn wirklich in die Nase.
Authorship:
- by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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- ENG English (Gary Bachlund) , "The water drop", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
A water drop fell from the skies, A trickster, I should emphasize. In the grass did a stupid rabbit doze, As the drop dropped down upon its nose. The rabbit woke up on the spot And surely thought it had been shot. It leapt up from its resting place, And thereby showed its rabbit's face. A hunter took aim, the story goes, And shot that rabbit in its nose.
Authorship:
- by Gary Bachlund (b. 1947), "The water drop", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2009-03-14
Line count: 10
Word count: 69
Es war ein Knopf an Fritzens Mütze, Der machte ungezogne Witze. Erst strampelte er stundenlang, Worauf er von der Mütze sprang. Es fiel auf einen Kieselstein, Dort schlief er ganz ermüdet ein. Und eine Schlange sah den Schläfer; Sie dachte sich, es sei ein Käfer. Und weil der Käfer ihr gefiel So fraß sie ihn mit Stumpf und Stiel.
Authorship:
- by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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- ENG English (Gary Bachlund) , "The button", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
There was a button on Fritz' cap, a cheeky, jocular, knobby chap. At first it struggled hours long To break the threads which held it strong. But when it finally fell, it found a little stone And there it slept, button tired and prone. A snake came upon the sleeper, For tasty beetles lure on this creeper. Thinking it was some crunchy bug It ate that button with a happy shrug.
Authorship:
- by Gary Bachlund (b. 1947), "The button", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2009-03-14
Line count: 10
Word count: 71
Ein kleines Steinchen rollte munter Von einem hohen Berg herunter. Und als es durch den Schnee so rollte, Ward es viel größer als es wollte. Da sprach der Stein mit stolzer Miene: "Jetzt bin ich eine Schneelawine." Er riß im Rollen noch ein Haus Und sieben große Bäume aus. Dann rollte er in Meer hinein, Und dort versank der kleine Stein.
Authorship:
- by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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Available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):
- ENG English (Gary Bachlund) , "The stone", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
A little stone rolled down snappily From a mountain's summit happily. And as it rolled upon the snow, The snowy stone did seem to grow. And as it grew, it cried with glee: "I am an avalanche of pebble ancestry." It tore away a family house And seven trees, this stony louse. But then it rolled into the sea, One tiny stone sinking, worthlessly.
Authorship:
- by Gary Bachlund (b. 1947), "The stone", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2009-03-14
Line count: 10
Word count: 64
Es war ein kleiner, böser Junge Der zeigte jedermann die Zunge, Ging statt zur Schule auf die Straße Und drehte allen eine Nase. Als seine Eltern beide tot, Kam er in bitterliche Not. Und lebt nun -- weil er sonst nichts kann -- Als armer Leierkastenmann.
Authorship:
- by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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- ENG English (Gary Bachlund) , "The little lad", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
There was a nasty, little lad Who stuck his tongue out, which was bad. On his way to go to school He did those things both rude and cruel. And as an orphan, he thought he would Get away with what he could. But for this -- for he learned the worst -- To be a poor organ grinder he was cursed.
Authorship:
- by Gary Bachlund (b. 1947), "The little lad", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2009-03-14
Line count: 8
Word count: 60
Es war ein armes kleines Mädchen, Das strickte nur mit kurzen Fädchen; Ich glaube, Lina war ihr Name. Sie wurde eine schöne Dame, War fleißig, brav und lernte gerne, Da kam ein Prinz aus weiter Ferne. Der sagte: "Liebe gute Lina, Komm mit mir auf mein Schloß nach China." Dort sitzen sie nun alle beide Auf einem Thron von gelber Seide.
Authorship:
- by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
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- ENG English (Gary Bachlund) , "The little lass", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
There was a poor but lovely little lass Of the poorer, lower working class; Her name was Lina, I believe, And we should not for her story grieve. She was hard working, true and versed, And through a Chinese prince her life reversed. He said, "Lina, you are worthy fair, Come be my bride beyond all compare." And now they're bound by loving tether On a throne of yellow silk together.
Authorship:
- by Gary Bachlund (b. 1947), "The little lass", copyright © 2008, (re)printed on this website with kind permission
Based on:
- a text in German (Deutsch) by Hans Bötticher (1883 - 1934), as Joachim Ringelnatz
Go to the single-text view
Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2009-03-14
Line count: 10
Word count: 71