Your Tiger
You know my awesome power, seen what it does for me
Or witnessed people cower, when e'er the tiger's free
Until now, when I tell you, just where the power lies
Rare are the chosen few, with justice in disguise
The ancients wrote it down, to tell us of the story
They’ve given us the crown, so we can share the glory
To follow this example, for your eternal glory
Inanity's not ample; for the power surging through me
Give yourself control and let me tell the story
Entangled in your soul until you set her free
Raging wild protector, that you can not disguise
A waiting silent specter, who listens out for lies
So listen close and learn and you will hear no lies
It’s easy to discern and you will feel the glory
You will make them burn and see through their disguise
No longer will you yearn and just depend on me
For now it is your turn, to set your tiger free
She'll nurture with concern, if you listen to my story
No need to babble on, you know my tigers’ story
Our tigers’ brains and brawn, to deal with all their lies
The tiger dwells within you, and her power is for free
I think you always knew, your tiger keeps your glory
You will find her deep within, as I found mine in me
To quell the mortal sin of those donned in disguise
So as now that you can see you have your own disguise
Your tiger sets you free as told in ancient story
I’m so pleased to show you, the tigers' pow'r in me
You have a tiger too and she knows when she hears lies
With your tiger by your side, you can revel in your glory
You no longer have to hide, once your tiger sets you free
So your tiger’s deep within, keeping your soul free
She’s guarding you from sin and waits in her disguise
Now you’re just like me, sharing our tigers' glory
I’m glad that you can see and share this ancient story
You never have to hide or be victim to their lies
Our tigers now allied, protecting you like me
It comes as no surprise, the tiger is for free, it’s written in the story
Her power in disguise, watching carefully, quelling all the lies
The glory of the wise, from tigers we've set free, deep within, you and me
Author notes
Form: Acrostic Sestina with an internal rhyme.
This is the sequel to My Tiger.
Sestina
The sestina is a strict ordered form of poetry, dating back to twelfth century French troubadours. It consists of six six-line (sestets) stanzas followed by a three-line envoy. Rather than use a rhyme scheme, the six ending words of the first stanza are repeated as the ending words of the other five stanzas in a set pattern. The envoy uses two of the ending words per line, again in a set pattern.
First stanza, ..1 ..2 ..3 ..4 ..5 ..6
Second stanza, ..6 ..1 ..5 .. 2 ..4 ..3
Third stanza, ..3 ..6 ..4 ..1 ..2 ..5
Fourth stanza, ..5 ..3 ..2 ..6 ..1 ..4
Fifth stanza, ..4 ..5 ..1 ..3 ..6 ..2
Sixth stanza, ..2 ..4 ..6 ..5 ..3 ..1
Concluding tercet:
middle of first line ..2, end of first line ..5
middle of second line ..4, end of second line..3
middle if third line ..6, end of third line ..1
Acrostic
Acrostic Poetry is where the first letter of each line spells a word, usually using the same words as in the title.
Art work by: Jim Warren
Dedicated to Kristin with love.
In a list
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 33 of 33
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*loves this* You don't just write form. You write POETRY. The way it supposed to be. Moving, powerful, meaningful. I'm sure your praises are sung constantly, in the way that Hollywood stars get told they are amazing. But I'm going to say it anyways. You are amazing, you have tons of talent. And I am so very happy I found your page. You not only tackle the most difficult (arguably) form of poetry, you make it look easy, comfortable even. I doubt there is one person who will walk away from this going "I don't understand." *ends praise singing* I wish I could give you more applause. You rock!
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Beautiful picture. Well written.
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Nothing against your piece, I have no judgement on it - I just dislike sestinas. Wrong contest to enter one in. Some forms people like, some forms people don't - this is one of the few (and few I mean) I do not care for.
Nothing against your piece, at all. -
Very very nice. All of your poems have a little seductiveness in them.
This is a long peom and was hard for me to keep with it because
im getting tired. But this poem is very beautiful and I need to read it again.
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Jeff, this is a Sestina, the most dificult form of poetry to write. I actually incorporated an acrostic to further complicate it. lol, only 2% of all poets have written one of these I have posted 5 of them here on AP.
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sorry for the late response. i was too busy lately, and didn't find to get online very often.
this particular poem reminds me of william blake's "tyger": "tyger, tyger, burning bright/ in the forest of the night". both the poems explore the fascination with the terrible beast, and how it is projected as a symbol of something beautiful, fierce, a counter part of the meek, and as something necessary to complete the cosmic plan.
i applaud you for attempting this demanding form and also being able to incorporate acrostic. however, there are parts of it that i think can be improved. i think you should put full-stop signs at places where needed. i know that the poem can do without it, but the necessary punctuation marks goes to make the poem more precise. the place where i find the poem lacking is that you keep talking about the ancient story without relating what it is. i don't think that the knowledge of the 1st part, the villanelle, is of help to complete the reader's knowledge. aside from this, there is little for me suggest right now. some people may find the repetitive structure quite irritating, but repetition is the essence of sestina; so we can't really complain about it, can we?
~manoguru
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Wow, I see what hard work you put into this piece, it's a triumph, not only the form but the obvious emotion that crouches within the lines, I am sorry I was away when you first sent the link to this piece, glad to get to read it, go tiger go!
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Another amazing write from your pen. You did a wonderful job holding the form and structure, with a combination rare to many.
A deeply written and well woven piece, which loses no meaning through out.
A flawless master piece, which I find very intreguing and wonderfully done! Something that not many could pull off.
The story within is so strong and holds such meaning. I could feel the strength of the lion. I know my lioness is there to protect me and always ready when I need her. Thank you for the lovely reminder and the beautiful write.
Outstanding!
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Hmmm..
This was ver effective. The use of the different forms all weaved into one created quite an effect. The rhyme wa excellent and I loved how the thoughts are all repeated in different styles. I guess I'm not making much sense, am i?
anywayz
excellent write
Good luck in that contest
Keep it up
~Miraculous~ -
I liked that you were able to carry off another structured piece without losing the original message of the tiger within. Also, you still managed to convey strong emotions despite the use of repeated words in the lines. At times the words did seem a little over-used, but given that is the point of the form, to use the words again, I rather liked that it connected all of the thoughts together. The internal rhyme scheme was very effective, another nice touch that brought this poem up a level. However it was a little difficult for your emotions to shine through with the same strength as the first you wrote. Although in this one it seemed that the gratefulness for and acknowledgement of the tiger was achieved, so you still conveyed the message to your readers. Very well done!
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Thank you so much! What a wonderful critique.
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wow very complicated but I dont really like how the acrostic is only part of it. I almost think it detracts from the poem since it is a bit of a distraction. Perhaps if you removed the color, and just told the reader where it was in the authors notes it would be less of a distraction, unless of course that is part of the contests rules. Overall a wonderful piece with alot of good flow.
Love Linzi -
Dont really go for the structered stuff, it seems to have a repetitive theme about it that takes away from the metaphors working although the starting two stanzas with the acrostic within is my favorite, and I so love the symbol of the tiger, so raw and quietly spiritual, a under current of such intensity that the wind itself would shiver with fear, and by so the internal spirit within is spoken, i hail your powered truth
a roar.....-jas
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Powerful
i think this show courage. i like it...keep up the great work!!!
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Powerful
i love it! keep up the great work and i love the picture that is just really really beautiful!
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Wow! Way to tackle this poetry form! (It looks pretty hard.) This is a beautiful poem. I am also a really big cat lover, along with my sis. She's the tiger freak, whereas I like snow leopards. Keep on writing!
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I know that I don't read much of anything anymore
But I have to say that any poem of yours that I visit,
well, I am never dissappointed
You know, give me a moment or two to stare at this
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OH MY GOSH
THIS IS AWESOME!!!
how in the world did you put all those forms together
Here I am scared of trying the sestina
Internal rhymes doesn't work for me
and acrostics aren't my better writes
In this, all I find is pure excellence
I see no flaws whatsoever
*sigh*
I wish I could write as awesome as you
but that's not going to happen anytime soon
God, this is one hell of a write
I'd say keep it up, But it keeps getting better without me having to say anything.
Much Love,
Take Care,
NeveR ♥
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I never quit learning from you, what a powerful and raw write this is, setting the bar way hihg on this one dear poetess...The form is exquisite, even if I had to go back and read how it is made and laid out....and the animalistic energy and wisdom told here almost as if the tiger was talking hiself...eloquent words and was very smoothe and enjoyable to read....Good luck!
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Masterpiece of Poetic Technique!
This acrostic sestina with internal rhyme and its' concluding tercets..is a wonder of the skill of polymaths in poetry! The thought given to this masterful work is above perfect, she, the poet sticks to the rules,acrostic is wonderfully used to suit her subject,and she portrays her so well,The tercets at the ending are a powerful way at the ending to distinguish our "tiger" personality, that we so are recognizing in our dear friend and loved one...Tenacity, that fighting spirit that will never give up.! In all ways of the skill of all aforementioned poetry, Yes, and the rhyme within all this technical mastery, the words of the poet so typify
her subject.....A Masterpiece and wondrous work!
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Inane, I say NOT!!!!!!!!!!
This is such a powerful piece that you have penned exquisitely. To do a sestina is tough enough, you added the acrostic and internal rhyme to fill it with the strength "Your Tiger" represents. As long as stories are told down through the ages, this will e'er be a part of them. Your wisdom and knowledge along with your elegance and eloquence produced fantastic imagery as I felt the power surging through me. The internal rhyme was done to perfection as well as your acrostic. You clearly showed the AMAZING talent you possess and your poetic heart as they both emanated brilliantly from this piece. You have all my best wishes in this contest, "Your Tiger" sounds golden to me. Let your ink always flow as smoothly as this flowed to my heart. Love and God bless, Joyce
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I am transfixed upon this work. The concept is brilliant, the execution artful and full of beauty, the meaning and the image are powerful and oozing purest love. The flow is wonderful, a miracle considering the size, scope, and nature of the piece. This is not only a homerun, this is a walk-off homerun in the playoffs against Mariano Rivera of the Yankees! I give it three million bunnies.
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Powerful!!
Wow~ to incorporate different forms in one piece is Impressive for I don't know anybody else who could pull this off...and the verse still making sense
Love the emotions exuded for it brought forth Empowerment~ Felt the energy of the white tiger very important to speak of...
Wants to leap off the page~
Magnificent forms You chose to use also~especially to emphasis the important aspects of the tiger and how
it affects the environment-surroundings!!
Grabs the reader by the paw...
Bravo to You
Loved this one!!!
Keep that ink flowing~~ and Your Creative juices going
Best wishes to You in the contest
Many blessings too
and much love~ Desire~*~
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this is my second time on reading this poem..i am amazed by your skill utterly gobsmacked
this poem is very beautiful and crafted so perfectly well done xxx
laura xxx
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Amera,
Yeah, this was a really sweet sequal to the original, and yes, you do have a Tiger inside you,all the women I adore or love have such. Diana has a ferocious one inside her which comes out often yet she can be playful as a new born cub. Tina has a Mother tiger's maternal instinct ingrained deeply in her for she is more silent and lays back in the grass more, but threaten her child, her family, or me and her claws are the last thing such a threat will ever see. I can't truly say which defends me the best, as if I deserved it! LOL! I'd have to say they are pretty equal in ferocity, and I, of course, would be as protective of then when needed.
We seem to be a pack of tigers it seems huh? Worse things to be in Life by far. I know full well, Diana and myself would draw blood if need be, not of each other but in defense of each. Tina is not so fast to uncurl her claws, but she will if invoked enough. It is a good pack, we have a wide territory to protect, and do it well. Very well indeed.
Dad
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I have admired your work since we met on here months ago. I have always been amazed at your knowledge of the different styles/forms of poetry.
This piece was outstanding on so many levels. There was so much written into this piece. To combine the 2 styles with such ease, is awesome.
This was outstanding work and very happy to know someone of your caliber.
Soulful Woman
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Excellent piece
There seems much lycanthropy in this one, "It comes as no surprise, the tiger is for free, it’s written in the story
Her power in disguise, watching carefully, quelling all the lies" You seem to give the tiger a human trait which is as much asking for help in the survival stakes. You speak on behalf of this animal who, like all others cannot speak for themselves. Your devotion towards this wildlife, is moreso a regular to the thoughts, "So as now that you can see you have your own disguise
Your tiger sets you free as told in ancient story", and should that ancient story be lengend or myth, there's a whole new meaning to lycanthropy that is telling us how the evolution of this animal came about in the first place. Very well done, much here to ponder and I'll ponder some more,. Brilliant
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Wow - I am so impressed with this entry - this is filled with such emotion that oozes through these lines. Great forms, difficult to get right, yet you have aced that no problem. Two forms in one is another plus in this entry's favor. The picture fits so well with the write as well. Think you spent some time on writing this one. The rhyme and rhythm, flow - all right on. Sounds as if others are just as impressed with this poem as I am. Way to go.
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The Power of Intuition
A sestina and acrotic together...Wow! Your talent speaks volumes as does this write. Powerful in the sense that as individual we have sides to our nature that unless propelled we would never consider. This is something I discovered in myself sometime ago. Your poem exhibits, depth and a sense of spirituality...this is supported very much throughout your write. I also sensed the power of ones intuition and how it can guide us from deception.
Awesome Amera! Good luck in the contest!
LL
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WOW
Okay first off i cant even imagin how difficult this must have been,
Sestina is a difficult form at the best of times,
then you have an Acrostic, and you didnt stop there you just went on. WOW!
and yet the poem is AMAZING!
i dont mean to sound shocked but honestly? i am....
Usually when i see things like this it comes out over done, the form takes over and the poem feels forced, or suffocated.
This by no means has that feel, it is beautiful it flows freely, it has depth and fantastic imagery.
i wish you luck with the contest,
but i know where my gold would be going
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i've greatly impressed... and to think that i was considering of writing a sestina too... i'll be back to give more comments on it
~love manoguru -
I am in complete and utter awe right now. This is simply amazing!!!! Not only did you manage to combine the sestina (a hard form in its' own right) with an acrostic but you made it rhyme perfectly. Many poets struggle to rhyme and flow and still make sense. You have done that here with ease. This simply rolled off of my tongue. I think though my favorite part of this write is that I could read it over and over again and still be amazed. Like your favorite movie that you watch again and again and everytime you see it you find something new that you didn't see before. This has such profound meaning and wisdom behind the form and the beauty in the words you could read it time and again to see just how deep it is. FRONT PAGE!!!!!!!
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Some people dont realize how difficult writing in this form is, without forcing the flow. This is written with talent and the gift of understanding the craft of conveying a message. Your thoughts are clear and concise, and at the same time touching the soul of the reader. I only wish I could blend lines and visions like this. Lovely!!!
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