Jungle Phantom

A lone white tiger strolled along, Exploring far and wide, A mighty creature, oh so strong, So difficult to hide... With swishing tail now raised above, As if the world were his, So nonchalant, as if in love, A sight not hard to miss... As if to say, he'd got it made, No fear of what could hurt, No need to run as if afraid Till something strange occurred... Yet Man was but a mile away, Oblivious indeed, Till Man walked near upon that day And saw this wondrous breed... White tigers from that day esteemed, Regarded as sublime, The likes of which remained undreamed, Until this chosen time... A jungle phantom first observed, A miracle of grace, A precious gem like one unearthed That now has pride of place... Denis Martindale, copyright, September 2013. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'Jungle Phantom'.