"And they name their tiny boy Helmut, bright nature, because that is how they see him. Perfect enough, and that is just fine." (Narrator, "Helmut," p. 4)

"He knows he is fit, feels he has a strong heart and good lungs and swift legs to offer his nation. He also knows he is imperfect." (Narrator, "Helmut," p. 10)

"He sees the change in the city. The blocked streets, the missing buildings. Craters and mountains where once it was flat. Helmut can feel the difference between then and now, the pattern of the city shattered every night and the changes becoming part of each new day. He watches the people: chalking street and shop signs on the remaining walls, walking on and over and under and through. Slow progress across the rubble, ankles twisting, feet slipping, legs disappearing up to their knees. Still the go on." (Narrator, "Helmut," p. 40)

"They describe...