Rest, Tiger, Hurt

from birth you’re taught to fight and kill
to always get your prey.
you track and stalk, but be still
lest she get away.
and though you check the wind for scent,
oh, you must be clever.
for still you stop to shade your eyes,
because nothing fights forever.

so rest, tiger, hurt with me
and let me stroke your fur.
for just as sure as you can growl,
i know that you can purr.

and yes, you’re strong! and yes you’re proud!
and yes, you leave me speechless!
but know this, my fierce, fierce friend,
like me you have a weakness.
your teeth are sharp, your claws more so,
you’re bred to rise above.
but what i chase is sharper still,
and nothing hurts like love.

so rest, tiger, hurt with me,
and let me stroke your fur.
for just as sure as you can growl,
i know that you can purr.

i wont ask much, i promise you.
who cares how this will end.
for here, and now, i’m hurt more
by those i called my friends.
so share your shade, and share your seat
with this foolish stranger.
i’ll play nice, one more time,
though i know the danger.

so rest, tiger, hurt with me,
lets watch the sun just swell.
and you can growl, or you can purr.
but i will talk of hell.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2008

Poem

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Suzadail Jr. Avatar
January 6, 2009 at 7:44 PM
Congrats Ian on the re-feature. God Bless. Vince
Brown Avatar
January 5, 2009 at 5:07 AM
Congratulations on being a finalist and having your poetry featured. Love Carol
Richards Avatar
January 4, 2009 at 4:44 PM
Great job Ian...well deserved poem to be among the final winning poems! ~ Congratulations and good luck! ~ Carrie
Jordan Avatar
January 4, 2009 at 9:56 AM
Ian - Seems to me like a double congratulations is in order – A Finalist and a featured poem – Great Job – God Bless, MJ
Winter Avatar
January 4, 2009 at 6:47 AM
Congratulations on being a featured finalist this week! Love, Shar
Heck Avatar
November 30, 2008 at 7:31 AM
Ian - Congratulations on your poem making Round One of the PSoup poetry contest! Wishing you all the best in the finals and have a Happy Holiday season. Peace always, John
Brown Avatar
November 12, 2008 at 4:51 AM
Congratulations on your poetry making it through the first round. Good luck in the finals. Love, Carol
Winter Avatar
November 11, 2008 at 8:25 AM
Congrats on making it through to the first round! Good luck in the finals! Love, Shar
Jordan Avatar
November 8, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Ian - Congrats on your poetry making it through to the next round – Great Job & God Bless
Spence Sr Avatar
October 4, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Congratulations of being featured this week. This is a very realistic poem. I can see beautiful images of what love should be if everyone acts the way love ordains them to act. I like your use of metaphors in this poem and the flow of the piece. Great job! ~Joseph
Brown Avatar
October 4, 2008 at 6:15 AM
Congratulations on your excellent poetry being featured this week. Love, Carol
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
September 24, 2008 at 7:53 AM
Congrats Ian on the refeature. God Bless. Vince
Jordan Avatar
September 22, 2008 at 8:08 AM
Ian this was an amazing piece of poetry - outstanding - Congrats on the well deserved feature - God Bless
Winter Avatar
September 22, 2008 at 7:15 AM
Congratulations Ian on your wonderful poem being featured again. Love, Shar
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