Zen tiger — imaginary,
None living in Japan — just pelt
From which to construct a kitty —
No sharp claws and jaws, no fear felt.
It slips between stands of bamboo
On silently pillowed paws,
A denizen of our thought-zoo
Who will blink out science’s laws.
It rubs against ungiving grass
And under the shoots’ fingers purrs.
It hides as other animals pass,
Having no taste for flesh-filled furs.
Like time the tiger emerges
And as quickly all things purges.