Kleinzeit

Remains to be Seen

Night. Kleinzeit not sleeping. Pain Company cleaning weapons and battle gear, smoking, telling jokes, singing songs. On the bedside locker Thucydides unread, Sister had brought it with Kleinzeit’s clothes, pyjamas, shaving gear, wallet, cheque book.

Fighting again tomorrow? said Hospital.

Bathroom, said Kleinzeit.

I predict heavy losses, said Hospital.

Out of this nettle, danger, we pluck this flower, bathroom, said Kleinzeit. The Spartans on the sea-wet rock sat down and combed their hair.

I thought you were with the Athenians, said Hospital.

Spartans, Athenians, said Kleinzeit. It’s all the same thing. Stand and fight and see your slain/And flush the battle down the drain.

You’ve got that last part wrong, said Word. It’s: ‘And take the bullet in the brain.’

Your memory’s very good all of a sudden, said Kleinzeit.

Nothing wrong with my memory, said Word. Nothing at all.

Well, my boy, said Hospital, I wish you luck.

Oh aye, said Kleinzeit. I bet you do.

I really do, said Hospital. Your defeat is my victory and your victory is my victory. All I do is win.

Where there’s no losing there’s no winning, said Kleinzeit.

Sophistry, said Hospital. The simple fact is that all I do is win. Have you remembered yourself?

I’m doing it, said Kleinzeit. Little by little.

Remains to be seen, said Hospital.

Remains to be remembered, said Kleinzeit.