The Tigers Eye

My Canon SLR, is set, night light on, but it’s only still dusk
Positioned waiting hoping for the promised elephant with tusk
Crouching low a rustling in the hot scrub grass close by
I turn slowly hoping, but look straight into a tigers golden eye…

An overpowering smell my nostrils do detect
A deathly smell of blood, on my life I do reflect
The eye of the tiger with its golden hue
He seems so neat, almost manicured too…

The white stripes round his wide open eyes
The crackle of dry grass, the buzz of the flies
The sweat does drip, down my nose
My heart beats fast, the shutter won’t close.

His small ears on such a large head do mesmerise me
The long, long whiskers twitch, so I believe it is a he.
Do I move? Do I breathe? What am I to do?
A tiger with black pupils, why didn't I bring a crew.

Looking through my lens, I see his nose twitch a little bit
I am on his menu it was then the shutter did click
I’m drenched in sweat; he lowers to pounce, this will be goodbye
My prayers are said, my life relived, I know it’s time to die…

Straight through the lens, but what I really did not see
He’s looking to my side, my prayers are answered it isn't me
A sigh escapes, I dare to breathe, I turn as slowly as I dare…
That’s when I spot a flock of gazelle; one of them will be his fare

© 26/11/2012 ~GG~

  Contest Entry for: Viewing Life Through A Lens
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Horne Avatar
November 27, 2012 at 2:37 PM
love this, Mandy - thank heaven for gazelle
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
November 28, 2012 at 1:28 AM
Thanks Jack , most would say "poor gazelle" i'm sure lol xx
Cavanaugh Avatar
November 27, 2012 at 12:11 PM
Awesome! I loved the way you weaved this poem with the relieving last stanza. Great poem.
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
November 27, 2012 at 12:33 PM
Thanks Jon xx
Bauer Avatar
November 26, 2012 at 6:27 PM
great poem! i was caught up in visualizing the whole thing and was so relieved that you weren't going to be his meal...
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
November 27, 2012 at 11:32 AM
ha ha thanks Ilene I think if I had been there he would have turned his nos up at the tough snack I'd make lol xx
Nair Avatar
November 26, 2012 at 5:17 PM
Enjoyed the suspense, Mandy, like it!! Jag
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
November 27, 2012 at 11:31 AM
Thanks Jag xx
Mjelde Avatar
November 26, 2012 at 4:18 PM
Hey hey, today I took the time to read your poem, I liked it! Hugs Laila
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
November 27, 2012 at 11:30 AM
Thanks Laila xx
Squyres Avatar
November 26, 2012 at 1:34 PM
You had my heart racing .... Enjoyed this poetry tale !!
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
November 26, 2012 at 1:37 PM
ha thanks for that Debra xx
Esquire Avatar
November 26, 2012 at 12:15 PM
Dear Mandy, Hope this finds YOU and YOURS Healthy and High in the Spirit. What a Superb POEM Congratulations I'm sure this is a Winner. You sent my Heart to my throat with verse 5 I just posted part 2 of What is Life. I LOVE YOUR POETRY and YOU Always and FOREVER YOUR Eternal (Young) Liege ...Harry
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
November 26, 2012 at 12:21 PM
Hi harry, thank you for your lovely comment I will read part 2 now.xx
May Avatar
November 26, 2012 at 10:40 AM
you told this suspense filled story well Mandy..... great write....winning wishes...hugs
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
November 26, 2012 at 10:44 AM
Thank you Joseph, is that the May coat of arms I see xx
Williams Avatar
November 26, 2012 at 8:14 AM
Mandy now, didn't your mother tell you not to go out in the woods on your own,... love it....David
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
November 26, 2012 at 8:26 AM
I know David I should have listened more , I always thought I was not to go into the woods with a sailor lol xx
Horsman Avatar
November 26, 2012 at 6:03 AM
this is incredible, how does one captivate the reader as you do? amazing poem, an amazing story.....
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
November 26, 2012 at 6:10 AM
If I told you it was real would you believe me?No just joking my friend, and thank you once a gain .xx
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