Books Were My Entire World - By Sukanya Das

Written By: Sukanya Das

Category: Poetry

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the poignant poem "Books Were My Entire World," Sukanya Das, writing as Baba, captures a tender narrative of childhood and paternal love. Submitted to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this piece reflects on the warmth and security found in familial bonds and cherished memories. Through evocative verses, Sukanya paints a vivid picture of a daughter's world enriched by her father's unwavering presence and affection.

About the Work

Sukanya Das’s poem weaves a heartfelt tale of nostalgia and familial love, using simple yet powerful imagery. The narrative is steeped in warmth as it recounts the comforting rituals shared between a father and daughter. The poem's mood is tender and reflective, capturing the essence of childhood innocence and the idealization of a beloved parent.

Baba

Original Submission by Sukanya Das

Books were my entire world

They brought me peace

In the dead of the night,

As I lay in my bed, at ease.

Baba’s footsteps would echo softly

The door would be pushed ajar

I would quickly turn the flashlight off, Pretending to be in a dreamland of afar.

Baba would sigh and kiss my head, And take the book and put it away

He would pull the blanket to my chin, And all my fears would go away.

My eyes would close, mind at rest,

Wandering in a fairyland sweet

Where Cinderella danced with the angels, And GodMother lost all of her teeth!

Morning would bring Baba’s call,

To wake me up for that dreadful school, I would rub my eyes and roll over lazily, Still draped in sleep, pillow specked with drool.

Chaos would follow, with Babas tickles, He would drag me out of my soft bed, Stuff my breakfast into me, braid my hair Making sure I put on my tie red.

He was my First Love, My Baba.

The man I idealised all along…

I have never found anyone like him, Perhaps, that's why every man seems wrong.

None of them is quite like Baba,

None of them are nearly as good.

None of them can ever understand- Me the way Baba always could.

“Baba! I got a hundred in math today! Baba! I got into the basketball team! Baba! I have a recitation tomorrow,

Baba, May I have this new cream?”

“Baba, the teacher scolded me in class… Baba, I got my first period today… Baba, I don’t think I will pass…”

Baba, Baba, Baba, it went on all day.

“Shona amar… Everything be fine I don’t like tears in my daughter’s eyes Do you feel alright, my little Raani? I hate it, when my princess cries”

Baba… I was a child then, grown now. I was naïve then, much wiser now. But baba, one thing has remained constant. Your unshakable love, held to me like a vow.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the diverse voices and creative talents of writers worldwide. This prestigious event invites participants to express their unique stories and poems, fostering a vibrant community of artists and literary enthusiasts.

Thank you, Sukanya Das, for sharing your touching poem, "Books Were My Entire World," with us. Your participation in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 adds a rich layer to our celebration of literary creativity. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to more of your profound work.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.