A as in Alfa--NATO alphabet for children
A is in Alfa
that comes from the Greek.
It marks the beginning
of the language we speak.
B as in Bravo
Let’s all give a cheer.
This stand-up word
makes meaning clear.
C as in Charlie
or Charles or Chuck.
When spelling a message,
you won’t get stuck.
D as in Delta
at the mouth of a river
makes sure your statement
will stand and deliver.
E as in Echo
sound bounces in a wave
off a reflecting surface
like the wall of a cave.
F as in Foxtrot
an up-tempo dance
loved the world over
from Fiji to France.
G as in Golf
a game played by the round
from the links to the clubhouse
an unmistakable sound.
H as in Hotel
a nice place to stay
with a pool and a gym
and a breakfast buffet.
I as in India
land of Toor Daal,
the beautiful Ganges
and the great Taj Mahal.
J as in Juliett
from Shakespeare’s play
who married her love
one Veronese day.
K as in Kilo
or 1000 grams
of pencils or toothpicks
or key chains or clams.
L as in Lima
a place in Peru
the City of Kings
and the capital too.
M as in Mike
You know one for sure—
your Uncle or mailman
or best friend next door.
N as in November
when autumn leaves blow,
we feast for Thanksgiving
and it may even snow.
O as in Oscar
in old English “divine spear”
an author, a lifesaver
a lover of deer.
P as in Papa
your father, your dad.
He’ll give you a bear hug
when you’re feeling sad.
Q as in Quebec
It’s French-Canadian there
with hockey and skiing
and maple syrup to spare.
R as in Romeo
from the house of Montague--
he loved a Capulet,
and she loved him too.
S as in Sierra
Go places unknown
like the Sierra Madre Mountains
or Sierra Leone.
T as in Tango
full of love and romance
from the streets and the club
comes this Argentine dance.
U as in Uniform
of a dentist or clerk
of a waitress or pilot
for sports or for work.
V as in Victor
the champion, the best
stronger and swifter
above all the rest.
W as in Whiskey
a word only adults should know.
Don’t drink ‘till you’re older,
so your body can grow.
X as in X-ray
sees under your skin
to check out your bones
and organs within.
Y as in Yankee
who fought to be free
from unfair laws
of the British monarchy.
Z as in Zulu
from the South African sun
marks the last letter.
Our alphabet’s done.
Tango Hotel Echo Echo November Delta (The End)