I roam the dark impervious
My stealth the primal gifting
I strike fear
I fear not
Free am I
Of constraint and longing
I behold the color of shadow
The night is my dominion
I embrace the sacred moon
In darkness, my court is solitary
Alone am I
Courage is my consort
All I desire is mine
I am clever, fierce
All knowing, patient
My form heralds strength
My prey at my command
Their doom is my hunger
Ruthless
Yet merciful am I
Force unmatched
Quick is my dispatch
There is no suffering
Beneath my blow
Nobility of ages
Feared
Placed in cages
Free
Hunted
Dying are we daily to this world
I am among the few left of my kindred
Slaughtered with leisure
From sacred groves by hand of man
Without voice, or choice
We will go silently to the nether realm
No more shall our noble paws grace this land
Sentenced there by children of deranged folly
We shall be waiting
Able and at the ready
When our foe arrives in our wake
With fury shall we wreak Justice upon
Our butchers
I am
The Silent Tiger
©2009, Kathleen MacLintock
Note: “Silent Tiger” is dedicated to the goal of Tiger preservation. On the verge of distinction, these magnificent creatures are illegally hunted for profit in medicinal practices. Poaching, and habitat destruction are wreaking havoc upon these beautiful and wondrous animals. You can greatly aid in Tiger preservation – in some cases for little or no money. Click here for the Tiger preservation options at the World Wildlife Fund. Click here for “Forever Tigers”, a wonderful site where you can learn much more & even ”adopt a Tiger”. Please act now, before the Tiger is silenced forever.
Thank you!
August 28th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Kat, you certainly have a talent for making your work seem OLD. This one conveys a sad nobility.
Silent Tiger – profound. Well done
‘O what hand has crafted thee in thy fearsome symettry’
August 28th, 2009 at 10:56 am
I really liked the transition from the fearless and proud regal beast to the hunted yet still reigning king. Very cool.
If I may say, from what I’ve read of your writing, I envisioned you (from the picture I have of you in my mind’s eye) walking around head-held-high in the beginning of the piece.
Another wonderful piece. Thanks, Kat.
August 29th, 2009 at 7:39 am
Hey yall, thanks so much, I appreciate your feedback and I’m glad you enjoyed this one. Its a terrible situation. I cannot imagine a world without Tigers in it. And if that day comes it will surely be a clear sign we are utterly depraved. Its just so senseless. Species go extinct via natural process of course. But thats not the case here. WE are causing this, not nature and it is just flat out wrong. And truthfully, it breaks my heart, but it also makes me about as angry as this poem reflects.
Anyway, much thanks, I appreciate it!
P.S… Vic, Ed is a fellow poet I know from way back. He’s going to be joining the site here, and I think you’ll like his work. That is if I can get my dashboard straightened out so he can post his work. He’s not quite so archaic as I am – or as he puts it OLD Lol….. He writes prose too, so you guys can maybe give me some prose lessons :-). Ed, Vic is another poet here on WordPress, his site is called Kondratas, and it’s on our blogroll. Which reminds me, Vic, I’ve been meaning to get by your site and get caught up, I’ve just been a bit occupied lately, but I’ll see you there soon neighbor!
September 1st, 2009 at 3:20 pm
I’ll look forward to Ed’s work then, as long as you continue posting, Kat. :)
September 2nd, 2009 at 11:19 am
Your a sweetie Vic, sincere thanks so much hon for the encouragment! ;-). Between writers block and writing stuff most folks don’t care to read, sometimes I wonder why I bother – so your comment was very timely!