The Tiger Within

I watched my three pound black and white kitten
The one with the sissy name, "Little Bit"
As he stealthily stalked a bird
His eyes so intense, he never blinked
Muscles taut, only a little twitch of the tail

Slowly, he advanced and then would lie flat
Only his ears showed above the grass
Waits a minute, and then advances again
He's a mighty hunter, now
He can already taste his meal

Suddenly, the bird sees the mighty hunter and
Flies up into the tree, now looking down
Little Bit confused, stands and looks around
What just happened, his eyes seem to say

Bird just laughs and says
You have teeth
And you have claws
And you were meant to kill

But I can fly away

— Linda Moses, Oct 19, 2008

About This Poem

About the Author

Region, Country: Texas, USA

Favorite Poets: rethinking this. have recently started reading the works of some of the greats, I will comment later

Critiques

Rett

17 years 7 months ago

G

I have watched my cats do this time and again. Most often without results. Cindy, a gray, has now learned to climb and will stalk them in the trees now with some success. Marvin, a big yellow, is more sedate and likes squirrels, but has a system. He lays on his back at the bottom of a tree like he's asleep. The unwary squirrel comes down and wham! 6 out of 10 times he will have it and 4 out of six he lets it go! *LOL* I enjoyed this one Linda. thank you. Respectfully, Rett: "If a fool and his money are soon parted, what does that say about the government bailout?" Rett

Linda Moses

17 years 7 months ago

Thankl you

Rett for taking the time and comment. HOw are you feeling?

Amru

17 years 7 months ago

Just read 'The Tiger within"

I thoroughly enjoyed your poem. I think in the fifth line of the first stanza there is a spelling mistake, shouldn't it be "Muscles taut". All the best.

Linda Moses

17 years 7 months ago

Amru

thank you for catching my spelling error, I did correct it. Thank you for reading and commenting

infinite_dwarf

17 years 7 months ago

LOL

Jai's an indoor cat, but that piece of fuzz stands no chance whatsoever! She hunts insects, too - thankfully she doesn't eat them. Tell the little wee one to keep trying, he'll get it right some day! ~Jess K. ---------------------------------------------------- -"It is better to be thought of a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt..." - Mark Twain

Linda Moses

17 years 7 months ago

Jess

Little Bit is going to stay little, I think, He is healthy but doesn't seem to be growing. Thank you for your comments.

themoonman

17 years 7 months ago

Hi Linda...

it is fun to watch the tiger within a cat... enjoyed watching yours with you and liked the bird getting away... I have had cats most of my adult life, dogs too... I have had a few cats that would kill a mouse or something and bring it to the door, like it is a present for me... I say... good job kitty.... Richard

Linda Moses

17 years 7 months ago

HI Richard

I have always liked cats, and dogs, too. Used to have horses in Ohio and really loved them. Yes, I think cats do bring you presents. Thank your for your comments, Richard.

Mohammad Yamin Iraqi

17 years 7 months ago

Tiger Within

Linda, It is a superb write. The climax of the poem, what the bird says, is that on which the whole poem hinges. A beautiful and meaningful conclusion. May I share with you a Quatrain from my book Rubai'yat of Josh Malihabadi which reads thus: May someone the gardener teach Why to cause a heart's breach? Let not the music of unfolding of a bud To the years of the withering rose reach. Regards. Mohammad

Linda Moses

17 years 7 months ago