Tiger, Tiger, in a cage,
Round the streets in new TJ,
What dark wind of cruel fate,
Could bind thy might behind a gate?

In some jungle far away,
To a trap didst thou fall prey?
Or in a prison born and raised,
For gawkers rude and never praised?

Was their flesh in dreaded maw,
And skin torn free by razor claw?
Now dare thy captors set thee free?
Or has thy will been dashed with glee?

What unkind hand or whip was born,
To make thine eyes so sad and worn?
Hollow paces round thy cage,
Bemoan a soul devoid of rage.

Yet still reflected in thy eye,
A shiny bit of free, blue sky?
And something stirring deep with ire,
Forgotten brand of glowing fire?

Tiger, Tiger, in a cage,
Round the streets in new TJ,
What dark wind or cruel fate,
Can still thy fire behind a gate?