Through the water and the wire
I have seen a tiger playing
First one paw and then her teeth
Claws and eyes of Blake's bright fire
Over, round and underneath.
It is to see her that I came
Tigers rarely stoop to toys
Not often that they bounce and splash
I do not need to ask her name
It's written with each pounce and slash
Perhaps they'll let her out one day ...
I would not have that wish come true
But though I know she does not rage
It makes me sad to watch her play -
One day she'll know about the cage.