The things I see,
the things I think, dream, imagine,
which ones are real?
Which ones are more real?
The things I see,
are, for me.
The things I think, dream, imagine,
are, for me.
Even my tigers.
If I pack them into the box of language,
can I make you see them too?
Can I make you think, dream, imagine
what I saw?
Is this what language,
what poetry does?
Outline my tigers,
colour them in,
give them their stripes
and then
the freedom to go
wherever they choose…
-BRITTA BENSON
Britta Benson is a happiness & poetry blogging, circus skills instructing & common butterfly following German, a writer, performer & linguist thriving in Scotland, her chosen habitat since the year 2000. Read more of Britta’s work at– Britta’s Blog – Letters from Scotland and Odds & Ends.
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MasticadoresIndia // Editora: Terveen Gill 
Britta’s poem is a beautiful tango of imagination and comprehension. A writer writes first for themselves and then the reader. I shall not have it any other way. If conforming to the likes, dislikes, and the tastes of others is the driving force of creativity, then it’ll fall flat on its face soon enough. The senses, the mind, the soul must be tantalized by the spirit of creation, and writing is not an exclusion. Let that tiger roar, roam, and find its own direction.
Congratulations Britta!
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Thank you so much, Terveen, for publishing my poem and for writing such a lovely comment. Much appreciated, always!
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A wonderful poem Britta. I love the imagery, and shall continue to outline your tigers, and anything else you provide, and colour them as best I can.
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Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Peter. Much appreciated.
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Hi Britta, very cleverly written piece. We do have to deal with our demons, pain, challenges and heart breaks ourselves. However, for me it does help me to share what I lived through and some of my successes through writing. I find it has helped people who have reached out to me and that is such a satisfying experience. Also if you write a beautiful story or poem and someone else relates it may give them just the justification or validation that they needed that day. So I am glad you share with us. I hope your week is a blessed one and congratulations. Hugs, Joni
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Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Joni. Always much appreciated! Your comment basically sums up why I write and share. Thank you!
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You are so very welcomed my friend. My pleasure reading you. Have a great rest of your week. 🦋
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I heard Siberian tigers panting as I read your poem. Not cold enough for them yet 🙂
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Thanks, Rebecca. I love tigers. I could stare into their eyes all day long… on photographs! That’s where my bravery regarding real tigers ends… Thanks for reading and commenting, Rebecca. Much appreciated.
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Yes, our zoo has one and he has a hungry look to him. Shiver.
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This last stanza Britta…. brilliant write and Congratulations!
❣️
“give them their stripes
and then
the freedom to go
wherever they choose…”
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