Splash!

The tiger strolled quite merrily, As if without a qualm And those that watched could plainly see That he was mighty calm. It was as if the stream was his, To do with as he pleased. It was a sight no-one should miss, As tiger tension eased... So there he was, content to play, As kittens often do And suddenly to splash away, As if this game were new. The fish were off, they scattered fast, They had no furry friends. The tiger didn't feel downcast, Why should he take offence? The day was young, he was there first, The others had to wait... This was his time to quench his thirst... Next time, they won't be late. Splash here, splash there, splash everywhere. Who cares if it annoys? As long as he had time to spare, The pebbles were his toys. He moved them left, he moved them right, He flicked one so it flew. Some birds above him soon took flight, For all at once fear grew. The tiger grinned to see such fun. He knew they were perplexed. That's when he flicked another one, Amused that they were vexed. He strolled along then slowly drank... He sipped it like champagne. Then in deep waters slowly sank Till he was clean again... When he was through, he left it all... The sun would dry him soon. Then through the tall grass he would crawl And hunt that afternoon... The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'Splash'.