Mary Spain - The Right Approach

Do you recall that tiger at the zoo?
We tried so hard to make him look our way.
You whstled; but I said, 'It doesn't do
To whistle at a tiger. You should pay
Him more respect! ' Do you remember that
He moved one furry ear a fraction when
I called out, 'Hello, Tiger... ', as a cat
Will grant remote acknowledgement to men
Who recognise their place, 'You're beautiful, '
I breathed, '... so beautiful... ' his massive head
Turned slowly and two regal eyes blinked full
Agreement straight at mine. It could be said
That he was captive and that we were free,
But I was captured when he looked at me.

Mary Spain

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-right-approach/