Forging Ahead

Places to go! Places to see! The tiger started well. Life's journey was a mystery! What next? He couldn't tell! The water was his challenge now... So slip-purr-y below... He was forging ahead somehow... Where to? He didn't know! His paws were muddy, yet he tried To reach the other shore... Onlookers thought that he could glide And watched him even more... He told himself he mustn't slip! That's why he did his best! He coasted gently like a ship That sailed from East to West... Forging ahead! Some progress made! The distant shore drew near... By faith, he'd stepped in unafraid! That's how he'd made it here... Then suddenly, in waters deep, The tiger had to swim... And forward motion had to keep, With him no longer slim! Stiff upper lip and all that stuff! He paddled, plodding on... While the going was getting tough, His strength was not yet gone! He made it! Yes, success was his! He sniggered, full of glee! And in that time of purr-fect bliss, His joy was plain to see... He swaggered cross the sands beyond, As if a thoroughbred! Like every tiger who is fond Of always forging ahead... The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'Forging Ahead'.