Tiger-Eyes

Golden eyes. Orange moons.
Tiger in the dark...
And as agile, as beguiling.
Aloof existence, nervous in the milling crowds
Or under the clumsy hand.
But in the distance, regal and proud, surveying your space.
Ignorant of the appreciative stares and praise. 
Tail, proud-high and wind-spread.
Suspended stepping in cadenced rhythm
Reaching rolling knees with hooves flicking.
A natural dancer.
Hocks flexed like springs coiled, to lift every stride
In flouncing action, neck arched,
Snorting in feigned surprise at the moving earth,
Flirting with your fancies.

You regard me with those eyes of amber,
An enigmatic gaze that I can not help but return.
Prying deep to see if I will be the one you can trust
After so many disappointments.
You allow me to, only just, brush your skin with my fingertips.
Something rare in itself.
Muscle-bound frame tensed in anticipation, reaching with your nose,
Another butterfly kiss...
Eyes rimmed with white, blowing down to my outstretched palm,
A tentative step...
And finally you leap the barriers and come to me,
Your head heavy against my chest, cares cradled in my arms.
Tiger eyes heavy lidded, tiger purring.
And then the embrace is over.
Something only you can see catches your attention
And you are away, trotting on air.
Glancing at me, you curve back with capricious flare
Watching me admire you, eyes full of sunset light.
You are my own,
And I am honoured.