by Coleman Glenn

“Houston investigators said exotic animal traffickers are likely moving a suddenly famous tiger
around from person to person to conceal its exact location.”
—Newsweek

(with apologies to Blake)

Tiger, tiger, lately loosed on
Lawns and alleyways of Houston;
What lowlife’s menagerie
Now holds thee in captivity?

In what villain’s pen or shed
Dost thou lay thy fearful head?
Who so foolish as to cage
Thy crouching form of righteous rage?

What the prison, what the chain
Might this criminal restrain?
Is he soon to pace a cell
As cold as where thou now dost dwell?

Or will he attempt to flee?
Will he, while on the lam, face thee?
Will he find a soft, warm place
From whence his smile grows on thy face?

Tiger, tiger, lately loosed on
Lawns and alleyways of Houston;
What lowlife’s menagerie
Dare hold thee in captivity?