Jungle Lore Give Us Some More!

Bumpity bump, in an  open canter
Through the Aravalli ranges, do here we saunter
Hush now, quiet guys, cut the banter
For the wildlife folks, its such a daunter

Dodging tree branches, we enter the forest of Ranthambhore
From the buffer zone to the very core
Over steep valleys and rocky terrains
Lush deciduous trees, a result of forest rains’

Kingfishers, crocodiles & snakes near the pond abound
Spotted deer, sambars & boars in grasslands are found
Colorful parakeets above and dainty  peacocks below
On hearing warning calls, we all go slow

Parked in silence we soak in the balmy air
Patience is a game which needs much flair
Senses alert to every shadow & tweet
No Tiger in sight, just another parakeet

As we wait for the big cat to appear
We see a bunch of wild boars scuttling away in fear
Frantic deer run helter-skelter for their life
‘Lest they get caught by a tiger in a strife

All flight and flutter tells us a tiger is near, on boy !
But another long wait, yet no joy
Disappointed we turn to go back to our barracks
Only to see a tawny male slap bang in the middle of our tracks

Excited and somewhat dumbstruck with awe
We see a Tiger sleeping with its chin on its paw
A magnificent animal looking ever so cute
How could poachers be so heartless to shoot ?

However, now its time for us to leave it at that
For this is the tiger’s personal, serene habitat
Though content, we are still begging for more
So we’ll be back here, next season, with Jungle Lore !!!