Regrettably, the Tiger is 
known for fierce attach.
But there are days when the Tiger says,
"Come here and scratch my back."
His moods vary with meals. 
At times the Tiger is not 
Charged with electricity.
His blood isn't that hot.
He feels so lazy that he lazes;
Stays put, doesn't go places.
His stripes don"t blaze
His skin doesn't glow, 
He feels so lazy that time
And the afternoon and the winter sun turn slow.

That autumn evening 
When for a moment brief
Light through the leaves
Is itself black-and-gold, black shadow and gold leaf
That evening as the sun sinks
You will not think
Of him with fear 
And even if you do 
The tiger will be on the far bank
Not here.
That night you will not dream of tigers

As a print of black daggers and gold daggers.
And even if he does enter your dreams,
He will do so softly.
He will not charge
He will not barge
Into your sleep.
All he will tell
You is "I am well
Because I launched well.
I too am made by God.
I am a symbol, I am like you.
Both good and evil dwell 
In me too ---
For good --- gold, for evil -- black.
Tonight I'll say nothing 
You can scratch my back."