*THE TIGER ON PARADE *

    The Sparrow and the Robin on a toot
    Drunk on honey-dew and violet's breath
    Came knocking at the brazen bars of Death.
    And Death, no other than a tiger caged,
    In a street parade that had no ending,
    Roared at them and clawed at them and raged --
    Whose chirping was the height of their offending.
    His paws too big -- their fluttering bodies small
    Escaped unscathed above the City Hall.

    They learned new dances, scattering birdy laughter,
    And filled again their throats with honey-dew.
    A Maltese kitten killed them, two days after.
    But they had had their fill. It was enough: --
    Had quarreled, made up, on many a lilac swayed,
    Darted through sunny thunder-clouds and rainbows,
    High above that tiger on parade.

    Vachel Lindsey

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