|
That winter’s night the sea was rough The waves tossed round our boat It was not sure we'd make our port For we could hardly steer. The ship it rolled, leaned on its side With water gushing in. My cage it broke, I tumbled out Fell straight into the sea. I came up quick, looked round to see The ship was sinking fast. Then braced myself to try and swim And reach the nearby shore. Next day I woke to see me on A strange and unknown land. I walked along the rugged coast And tried to find some food. I came upon two sturdy men And thought I'd struck on prey. But they were quick and they were slick With net and sack they pounced on me. They whisked me off and brought me here They trained me all day long: They cracked their whip and taught me tricks And put me in their show. I snarled, I growled, I showed my teeth Jumped on the stool and through the hoops The crowds they gasped, the crowds they cheered To see how I performed. And up and down this little land The talk was of my might And how my strength grew ever more Than others all around. The money swelled, the cash rolled in I lived the life of kings. And tried to still my appetite And wallowed in my wealth. But snacks and crisps and fizzy drinks They quickly took their toll. And I was plagued by lethargy My limbs filled up with flab. I put on weight and then I lost The sparkle in my eyes. The crowds turned 'way, their interest waned, They struck me from the show. My day is done, my course is run My bones have all gone stiff. The time has come that I must go And leave these shores again. But up and down this little land The talk it still goes on. With wondrous tales of that brief time A tiger stopped their way.
|
