The Attack

The tiger knew each second counts As he went on the prowl... Split-second timing for that pounce Or else he'll pause to scowl... Success or failure, win or lose, Eat well or starve today, That's why the moment he must choose As he hunts for his prey. He climbed up trees to scout the land, He lied in silent wait, He thought ahead with schemes well planned So he could celebrate... But he must play the waiting game... While starving in the sun, Or else he'll have himself to blame When this long day was done. I watched him through binoculars, Aware of what could be, While I chewed on some chocolate bars, The tiger stared at me... Let Nature take its course, I said... So safe within my jeep. That day, another victim bled... Before he went to sleep... Denis Martindale, copyright, February 2011. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'The Attack'. More Stephen Gayford poems here: denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com