Don't Let Go

By Richa Sharma

Don’t let go of me, Dadda.

I am not alien,

I am a part of you—

Of your dreams, of your schemes.

I am your future,

Your’s to be shoulder, your holder.

I am your child.

So what if I am a girl?

They say I am a burden,

But Papa, I promise

I will always be strong

We will change their beliefs together.

Mamma carried me for nine months,

But you were there always, Papa.

Mamma was sound asleep,

So I first saw you.

I haven’t even had my first feed.

I beg you, with my tiny palm

Wrapped tightly around your finger,

Tear-filled eyes .

Just hold me tight—

Your chest feels warm;

The outside is so cold.

Don’t throw me away, Papa.

I am just a newborn.

I don’t want to be bold

By Richa Sharma