By Nazim Hikmet

Long regarded as modern Turkey’s greatest poet, Nazim Hikmet (1902-63) wrote many of his poems in prison, where he spent some 13 years of his life. He was also a playwright, novelist and screenwriter.

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I’m getting used to growing old

Nazim Hikmet

I’m getting used to growing old,

the hardest art in the world –

knocking on doors for the last time,

endless separation.

The hours run and run and run...

I want to understand at the cost of losing faith.

I tried to tell you something, and I couldn’t.

The world tastes like an early morning cigarette:

death has sent me its loneliness first.

I envy those who don’t even know they’re growing old,

they’re so buried in their work.

*Third World Resurgence No. 349, 2021, p 74