Territory

The tiger stalks the restless night

On silent, deadly haunches.

He fears no beast who violates

His chosen territory.

He weaves the magic of his trade

In stealth among the branches

Prepared to launch swift onslaught

On his unsuspecting quarry.

 

The human species, much less subtle,

Decries his claim out loud.

A birthright or a postulation

Written or inscribed,

A strident declaration fully stated

Loud and proud that

“This is mine,” complete and certified.

 

All are territorial,

The buzzards, bats and bees.

They all band together

In their closed communities.

Except the lonely tiger

Who rejects even his own.

He prowls his territory

Cloaked in silence, all alone.