Fatal Attraction

The London Zoo set up a date
But didn’t quite anticipate
The male, once locked in with his mate,
Would do much more than dominate.

The keepers, thought they did await
This tiger union, were too late
For Asim, straight out from the gate,
Sought only to exterminate.

He mauled Melati, no debate
And didn’t seem to hesitate.
When workers tried to advocate,
Her death they had to contemplate.

This story does illuminate
That those who try controlling fate
By matching stripes, or some such trait,
Might find that they miscalculate.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Krutsinger Avatar
February 17, 2019 at 12:38 AM
Ilene, I found myself singing this. You can put it to music, and your grandchildren might get a kick out of it. A great vocabulary lesson too!
Rigoler Avatar
February 15, 2019 at 2:55 PM
Very sad, but animals are unpredictable. My pet dog some years ago, as I was about to kiss his snout, bit my nose! I didn't beat him, of course, he was a dog. Now it would have been much different had she been my girl friend! (Joking)./ M
Dietrich Avatar
February 13, 2019 at 8:14 PM
wow, that is sad, Ilene. I have heard of the pandas they can't get to mate. but not about the killer tiger!
Leffanta Avatar
February 13, 2019 at 6:14 PM
This timely piece clearly establishes your command of the language! Well done! Aloha! Rico
Anish Avatar
February 13, 2019 at 3:34 PM
You tell a sad tale in this story about tigers. Such magnificent animals - I pray they don't become extinct! Peace & Love Matthew Anish
Mcleod Avatar
February 13, 2019 at 11:28 AM
Great job on this Monorhyme poem Ilene. A nice herky jerky rhythm. Animals shouldn't be in cages. It's bad enough men are. You can guess I have a small apartment. LOL Trevor
Cunningham Avatar
February 13, 2019 at 11:03 AM
Once a wild animal always a wild animal, what were they thinking putting an outsider in with the regular streak.
Wolf Avatar
February 13, 2019 at 10:28 AM
I second Line's words...and add that you're so right in your evaluation: We humans tend to outsmart ourselves sometimes... Best wishes, Gershon
Gauthier Avatar
February 13, 2019 at 10:22 AM
Lovely monorhyme, Ilene. A fun read.
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