He showers in the spray of the waterfall and watches the mists curl up into rainbows in the sunlight. The lagoon cools him off and pulls the ache from his bones. The jungle’s gentle chatter. The rustle of monkeys moving through the trees. The tiger walks out onto the rocks on the opposite bank and stares at him for a moment before making its way down to the edge of the aquamarine waters. He watches the tiger slip into the lagoon and paddle slowly around in a circle before making herself comfy on the shore with water coming up to her belly. They keep out of each other’s way most of the time and that suits both of them. The lagoon is an exception. They both like the lagoon and neither minds the other being here as long as they stick to their half. He leans his head back and studies the blue of the sky. Things are timeless here. One day is not much different to another and they pass gently from moon to moon. Fruits and nuts are plentiful. The fishing is easy. With one giant paw he scratches his chest and yawns. Then he rolls onto his front and begins to plod back home to the warmth and seclusion of his cave.
Paddy Dobson
15th May 2021