The poem **"A Tiger in the Zoo"** by **Leslie Norris** uses several poetic devices to convey the contrast between a tiger in captivity and one in the wild. Here are the main poetic devices used:

1. **Rhyme Scheme**:

  The poem follows a simple and regular rhyme scheme of **AABB**, which gives it a rhythmic and smooth flow.

2. **Personification**:

  The tiger is given human qualities, such as:

  * *“He stalks in his vivid stripes”* – portraying the tiger as actively moving in a thoughtful, restricted way.

  * *“He should be lurking in shadow”* – gives intent and awareness to the tiger.

3. **Imagery**:

  Vivid images help readers visualize the setting and emotions, such as:

  * *“vivid stripes”*, *“concrete cell”*, *“brilliant eyes”*, *“plump deer”* – appeal to visual senses.

4. **Alliteration**:

  Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of nearby words:

  * *“stalks in his vivid stripes”* (repetition of 's')

  * *“behind bars”* (repetition of 'b')

  * *“plump deer pass”* (repetition of 'p')

5. **Contrast**:

  The poet contrasts the tiger's life in the **zoo** and in the **wild**, emphasizing his lost freedom.

6. **Enjambment**:

  Sentences and phrases continue beyond the line breaks, which gives a flowing effect to the poem.

7. **Metaphor** (implied):

  The zoo and its cage act as a metaphor for restriction and loss of natural freedom.

Let me know if you'd like a stanza-wise explanation too.