Nailed

My only morning, late for class,

I tuned Four, Hitler, radio -

our night before, on stage performed

as language, history combined,

and revolution was the theme,

my task, perform, fire Reichstag speech.

An Iron Cross from classmate’s Mum,

as greatcoat likewise, war supplies,

moustache (yet kept) with makeup glue,

I inflamed incandescent storm.

One faintly clapped, faded, withdrew;

uneasy silence wrapped the hall.

Herr Nagel later shared unease

with other staff, been through the war.

But it was added, cast C.V.,

so when auditioned, six months on

with usual menu of school plays -

the Shakespeare, Ibsen, Wilder, Shaw

were all ignored for Adolf rôle.

The German 'Nagel' is translated 'nail'

The fire was 27th February 1933