Deadly Gold
Tiger’s rusted fur
surrounds an eye
that sees into souls.
An eye, ever-widening;
the pupil your final full stop,
an eclipse.
The iris is sea-green,
surrounded by a wedding ring
of deadliest gold.
White whiskers sprout
fine and wiry,
as grandad’s beard,
sensing the air,
sensing your fear.
Tiger’s fur bristles,
ripples shadows
across it’s back;
soft flames flicker
streaked by snow-caps.
Tiger eyes the world
and wonders
as cage bars
cast their shadows.
surrounds an eye
that sees into souls.
An eye, ever-widening;
the pupil your final full stop,
an eclipse.
The iris is sea-green,
surrounded by a wedding ring
of deadliest gold.
White whiskers sprout
fine and wiry,
as grandad’s beard,
sensing the air,
sensing your fear.
Tiger’s fur bristles,
ripples shadows
across it’s back;
soft flames flicker
streaked by snow-caps.
Tiger eyes the world
and wonders
as cage bars
cast their shadows.
This poem is copyright (©) Pie Corbett 2025
About the Writer
Pie Corbett
Pie Corbett is an English educational trainer, writer, storyteller and poet. He has edited 24 anthologies and his collection, ‘Evidence of Dragons’ is a classroom staple. He was writer-in residence at the Kent festival, and has appeared at the Cheltenham and Edinburgh Festivals. He has worked on BBC radio and tv programmes, was nominated for a BAFTA and the Japanese Prize for educational tv. He is well-known for creating the Talk for Writing approach to learning, which is widely used within UK primary schools and around the world. A new collection is appearing in September from Otter-Barry Books, titled Dragon Cat.
