A rustle of fading leaves. Out of nowhere - eyes burning brightly.

Such agility..such strength..such elegance and grace. Such unparalleled beauty.

She sits. She hides. She waits. Wishing only to disappear..to go unnoticed and unseen. She hopes to find herself lost..and not found. She meets the world on feet softly padded. In silence.

Afraid to come out. Afraid to be seen. Afraid of her own shadow. Afraid of the strength that lies within her.

That mighty tiger. That one we revere and all fear. She is you. She is me. Stop for a moment. Look and you'll see. Beneath that coat of fur...behind those eyes - she is nothing but a scared and gentle pussycat. Like you. Like me.

Can you hear her purring?