A Tiger in the Zoo

LINES OF POEM

A Tiger in the Zoo

He stalks in his vivid stripes

The few steps of his cage,

On pads of velvet quiet,

In his quiet rage

He should be luricing in shadow,

Sliding through long grass

Near the water hole

Where plump deer pass.

He should be snarling around houses

At the jungle’s edge.

Baring his white fangs, his claws,

Terrorizing the village!

But he’s locked in a concrete cell.

His strength behind bars,

Stalking the length of his cage,

Ignoring visitors.

He hears the last voice at night,

The patrolling cars,

And stares with his brilliant eyes

At the brilliant stars.