top of page

Nailed

Writer's picture: Stephen KingsnorthStephen Kingsnorth


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

13 views2 comments

2 comentarios


Martin Pickard
Martin Pickard
01 mar 2024

An intriguing snippet of your life made stark by the topic and date

Me gusta

Alison Blevins
Alison Blevins
29 feb 2024

You were a brave man to take on the role in the first place.

Me gusta
bottom of page