Poems by Nandita Shailesh Shanbhag

F is for Friendly; with him, fun times I share.
A is for Amazing; his heart is full of compassion and care.
T is for Truthful; his values have helped me stand tall.
H is for Helpful; his generosity is valued by all.
E is for Encouraging; his confidence in me stays strong.
R is for Reliable; he has been there for me lifelong.

Water

At dawn, when the birds awaken and take wing
You adorn a leaf like a glittering diamond ring

When the thirsty earth is parched and bare
You shower her with the nectar of solace and care

When Nature is disrobed of her robes green
You adorn her in a gown of emerald sheen.

When the sandy shore awaits a friend to play
You embrace him with your frothy spray

When the mountain wants to greet the plains below
You sing a sweet melody as you playfully flow

When the heart feels heavy like a great big hill
You trickle down from the eyes and make worries spill 

Water...you have many forms, many roles
You appease thirst, renew life and soothe souls

Daddy's little girl


You are her all time favourite
That's what she always says
To you she tells her small secrets
And near you she always stays

She teases you, she plays pranks on you
She makes you obey her every call
She knows that she can twist you
All around her finger small

With you, she throws tantrums
Fights for your attention all the time
She makes you read a hundred stories
And listen to a thousand rhymes

When you are away on your tour
She feels forlorn and sad
Though she cannot express it in words
I know she misses her dad

Tears run down her little face
When I say you will be late
Like a puppy, for the sound of your knock
For you by the door, she will wait

She comes running when you come home
Covers your face with kisses sweet
With her laughter and her love
She makes your life complete

In her eyes, you are brave and strong
Her hero, her ally, her friend dear
The one she can really rely upon
Who will understand her every fear


You pick her up and make her sit
Upon your big warm knee
As she nuzzles against your cozy lap
Your heart fills with joy and glee

Your hands gently caress her cheek
As she lies on your chest
And you feel twelve feet tall
When she says she loves you best

You both share a special bond
You realize, as you stroke her curl
You two have created a separate world
You know that she is Daddy's little girl
Now sometimes, as you start for work
She says...papa please don't go
You wonder, annoyed and flustered,
When will she know, when will she grow?

But remember, daddy dear
Time is passing by fast
These cuddles, kisses and hugs
Enjoy them while they last

Your little angel is already five
Soon she will take wings and fly, you know
Then your aching heart will cry
Baby, stay with pops, please don't go!