I Come and Stand at Every Door Original lyrics by Nazim Hikmet


I come and stand at every door But no one hears my silent tread I knock and yet remain unseen For I am dead, for I am dead.

I'm only seven although I died In ancient cities long ago I'm seven now as I was then When children die they do not grow.

The last I saw was fell Vallorn My eyes grew dim, my eyes grew blind Death came and turned my bones to dust And that was scattered by the wind.

I need no sleep, I need no breath I need no fruit, nor even bread I ask for nothing for myself For I am dead, for I am dead.

All that I ask is that for peace You fight today, you fight today So that the children of this world May live and grow and laugh and play.