The Tiger on the Hill

In Darjeeling's beautiful foothills up on Tiger Hill

An ancient gate guarding the four directions stands there still

Protecting the Spirit of the Tiger under Kanchenjunga's gaze

In this land where once the Tiger and the Snow Leopard

Clashed in combat over dominion of the Land of Snows

Hidden beyond the icy majesty of the Himalaya.

But, deep within the country's denizens the Tiger

Still holds sway, capturing the heart and soul

Of those brave enough to walk his solitary path.

Look in their eyes and the glint of the Cat

Stares back at you, harsh, imperious, regal.

The soft footfalls walk on the edge of your heart

And your soul rests uneasy as though the whisper

Of some primeval, alluring sound is calling,

Enjoining you to follow, abandon all caution

And conviction, light-headed in the Tiger's wake

Silently the Tiger takes his due, homage exacted

At your cost, and claims his freedom once again

Then leaves as the dusk and the fallen leaves

Cover his presence – what dream was this

The failing light brought to my eyes?

But soft upon my heart the Tiger's footprints burned

And in my soul the first chill wind of the past

Begins to blow – the Cat passed through here

Borne on the Winter Wind in search of Summer's delight.