Where did you run to, Helmut John,

when you first came to this strange land

and we all teased you for your name?

We claimed it was the wrong way round

when you first came to this strange land.

You tried hard, but whatever you said,

we claimed it was the wrong way round

and then we laughed at your dismay.

You tried hard, but whatever you said,

your choice of words fuelled our judgement

and then we laughed at your dismay.

A lifetime later I wonder ...

Your choice of words fuelled our judgement

and we all teased you for your name.

A lifetime later I wonder:

Where did you run to, Helmut John?