“variations on the death of trotsky.”
¶ from All in the Timing, by David Ives.
¶ Variation Six:
…
TROTSKY. But why? Do you realize who I am? Do you realize that you smashed this axe into the skull of a major historical figure? I helped run the Russian Revolution! I fought Stalin! I was a major political theorist! Why did you do this? Was it political disaffection? Anti-counterrevolutionary backlash?
RAMON. Actually — it was love, Señor.
MRS. TROTSKY. It’s true, Leon. (She and Ramon join hands.)
TROTSKY. No.
MRS. TROTSKY. Yes.
TROTSKY. No.
RAMON. ¡Sí!
TROTSKY. Oh God! What a fool I’ve been! (He dies. Bell.)
