Tiger, Tiger Poem by Mehta Hasmukh Amathaal

Funny shepherd boy
Had no chance to play with toys
Always spent day with buffaloes and sheep
Jungle was his hide out to keep

Once he thought of playing gimmick
He had no idea as how to play serious trick
He thought over number of ideas but put off its execution
He could not convince himself for the firm resolution

He was restless for number of days
Finally he decided to raise far reaching cry
For seeking assistance in distress
He thought people may rush to him in any case

“Tiger, tiger” he shouted with frightful voice
People heard his call and rushed immediately for assistance
They rushed with spears, swords and arrows
To their utter amusement they found him with whistle’s blow

People warned him for funny trick
They threatened him with long stick
“You will receive no help in future” villagers warned
“Oh never mind, I shall manage” he answered

After few days the tiger really pounced on her live stocks
He was in danger and shouted for village folks
Everybody took it as simple joke and did not respond
He was spared by tiger but many sheep were killed