Stripes of Self Esteem

 In the depths of the forbidden forest,

The mighty ruler walks on the dry grass carpet.

Stalking alone in the middle of the jungle,

The striped  beast stops awhile for rest.

Stretching its wild, beastly built,

The tiger alone in the jungle, stands still.

Its shining cover burning bright,

Reflecting its power, strength and might.

And there enters another ferocious beast,

Its hunger piercing through his eyes.

A poor prey seized,

 In its blade sharp teeth.

The frenzied ruler watched its rival,

The hunter unaware of his arrival,

Moves ahead to enjoy its meal,

And the poor prey, last time squeals.

In the hope the ruler stares,

He may get an easy share.

The hunter sensed suddenly,

That he was no more lonely.

The rule of jungle on its way,

They attack each other  with utter dismay.

They hit, they kick,

They growl, they howl.

They clash and they scrap,

And fight for the share.

The ruler lies as if dead,

And the hunter turns his head.

But look! The ruler played a trick,

And the hunter gets a kick.

And again the battle of food starts,

The hunter defeats the ruler at last!

Blessed by nature, it’s in its full gleam.

It earns the stripes of self esteem.

                                                       - Tanvi Balaji