The tiger stood and looked ahead, br So hot and near collapse, br But then all fear had all but fled br And gone for good, perhaps... br The water's edge was cool and clear, br Inviting him to test br The wondrous stream that had no peer, br Because it was the best... br br His chin was dripping as he strode, br His front legs hid from sight br And suddenly joy overflowed br As he filled with delight... br The sun, the stream, together brought br Enchantment all around, br The kind that chills the fiercest thought, br The kind meant to astound... br br To think, cool water has the power br To soothe hot pains away, br The body blossoms like a flower br That greets a brand new day... br Thus tigers find they've strong defence, br Cool waters help them through, br Because such streams are faithful friends, br As fresh as morning dew... br br br Denis Martindale, copyright, March 2013. br br br The poem is based on the magnificent painting br by Stephen Gayford called 'In The Heat Of The Day'.