A Tiger Cub came to my door, when you and I first met

With a playful bounce, and a tiny roar, it cleared the parapet

It followed me 'till nightime came, and crept under my sheet

I dreamt of you and Tiger Cub until the morning heat

 

You cannot hear my Tiger Cub, or see and feel it's fur

But it sees you, and when you talk, it shivers with a purr

You say my name, or brush my hand, it cuddles at my fingers

And even when you leave the room, the Cub's sweet touch still lingers

 

Now when my Tiger comes to me, I see it’s growing teeth

And when it bats me with its paws, I feel the claws beneath

My Cub still wants to play with me, but I foresee the pain

So I went to the garden shed, and I got out the chain

 

I wrapped my little Tiger Cub in yards of clinking metal

With teary eyes I took my Cub and locked him in a kennel

For I know when Cubs turn in to Beasts, they flash their dazzling stripes

You stand in awe—you’re paralyzed. And then, the Tiger bites.