Blake's Tiger

Tiger, tiger burning bright

In the city zoo at night,

What mere mortal hand and broom

Now sweep the jungle from your room?

What city councillors must meet

To vote the grub you daily eat?

What crowds stare blankly at your eyes

And see no yellow Asian skies?

On what distant forest path

Did men of business cage your wrath?

To what percent did they aspire

Who seized and sold your striped fire?

And when your cage threw up its spears

And hedged you round with shameful fears,

Did He, who made the lamb and thee

Your loud dishonour smile to see?

Tiger, tiger, burning bright

In the city zoo at night,

What mere mortal hand and broom

Dare sweep the jungle from your room?

Isabella Fey