This poem is part of the series Interviews With Vampires. Note that poetry is best read in a browser on a larger screen.
Hans Frank at Nuremberg
The scars remain, and still I sometimes feel Mild tickling sensations in my fingers. I am glad, now, that I did not succeed. Because this man, who we all sacrificed Everything for, left all of us alone. Most everything I’ve learned about these crimes I’ve come to know while sitting in the courtroom. In truth, the party platform merely called For the removal of their influence In government, and other institutions. I sent my resignation, repeatedly. It happened also when I sought divorce. His wishes were made clear. I had no choice. There is a fate that brings you to a place Ignoring what you hope or want. My son Had just been born, and so I needed money. He had a matching need for legal counsel. Now you Americans can see just how Impossible it is, to feed and clothe The German people from the German soil. When I returned from Krakow, I went to her And not my wife. My wife was a cold beauty. She had no need for physical release. I knew it was the end, and needed one Last passionate encounter. She opposed National Socialism furiously; If I had married her, I never would have joined. The strategy of every lawyer here Is to shift all the blame to Hitler. But, In a just court, a man who’s been accused Must be provided a defense. I’ve been Thinking what I would say; how I would answer. If not, a legend will emerge. Grass grows On every ruin. It soon becomes a myth, And then an object of romantic longing. In art, there is no light without a shadow, And even Hitler’s shadow is accompanied by light.
Hans Frank was Hitler’s personal lawyer, and governor of Poland during World War 2. At Nuremberg he was convicted of crimes against humanity.
He was hanged on October 16, 1946.