August 6 — 69 Years Ago

I come and stand at every door
But none can hear 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 Hiroshima long ago.
I’m seven now, as I was then –
When children die, they do not grow.

I need no fruit, I need no rice.
I need no sweets, or 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!

Original Turkish poem by Natzim Hikmet
English translation by Jeanette Turner
Music by James Waters (“The Great Silkie”)
Adaptation by Pete Seeger (1962)