The persona is awed at the intense image that the tiger projects. He may be watching from afar in a jungle, fearing for his safety; or he may be watching a tiger in a cage awed by the intricate design of its coat and color combination, as well as the power the tiger is able to exert - such fierceness, such danger. The speaker is perplexed at how the one who made a lamb so harmless and tame could be the one who made the tiger too.