In a New York highrise A man is arrested for Keeping a pet Bengal tiger

I see the coal eyes of the tiger Eyeing the cops, his low growls Over the blaring sirens

The invisible metaphor Is full realized here, One man’s dente with The beast in cramped quarters

Rustle of fiery fur, and underneath, Tight muscular sinews snug Against his body as the tiger Feeds from the same table

Meat from the man’s hand, Running his coarse tongue against The palm itself: the meniscus

Of trust and control before the cops Burst in, and handcuff his wrists To sever him from the jaws’ invisible grip