This was inspired by my trip to the jungle at Tadoba. It had been my long standing wish to go on a jungle safari. And finally I was able to make this trip.This was my first such safari and i was fortunate enough to sight a tiger in my very first adventure trip. If you have been to the open jungles , you will resonate with this one and mind you, I am not talking about those caged or pre -structured animal parks, where you do get to see the animals at close quarters but it does not get your adrenaline pumping at the thought of chance sightings or impending danger. Its touch and go.This one has the raw feel of the wildlife, right Gaurav.., Shefali...??....Regs, next time you are in India, make this kind of a trip. I promise you, your camera will love you for capturing those chance encounters of wildlife memories..
.........Hope this poem is enticing enough for others to join me, in my next adventure trip.....
At the threshold, the butterflies flutter a welcome song..
Gates flung open, and dragonflies join the throng.
Enchanted , enthralled , I follow their colorful trail..
Marveling at dewdrops, resting on the back of a snail.
Thick foliage all around, emitting a distinct forest smell...
Rumbling clouds, speak of showers afar, I can tell.
A gentle patter I hear, and then a delicate squeak...
Look its a squirrel, its tail, I so wanna tweak.
Deeper and deeper into the woodland as I tread...
A chance encounter with the big cats is what I dread.
Hush now, be quiet, ye all, hold your breath...
Hear them signals and calls across the jungle's breadth.
Soulful eyes, majestically give us a lingering look...
Resplendent in her tawny color, the tigress stands by the brook
Mesmerized we watch, the big cat in all her regal splendor...
Stupefied we stand, wondering if there is impending danger.
Lowering herself into the brook, the tigress takes a few quick swigs...
The waters mirroring her actions, a priced moment, for cameras to tig.
Intruders on her territory, though, are not a welcome sight...
So with noble arrogance, she enters the thicket, out of 'our' sight.
Releasing our breath, we begin to grin from ear to ear...
See, after all, there really was nothing to fear.
A single sighting is enough to get you addicted to the wildlife for sure...
Adrenaline pumping , we resolve to come back for a 'dekho' , once more..!!!
