The Strawberry*

While walking in a desolate area

Without a weapon and all alone,

A man encountered a vicious tiger.

He stopped in his tracks and uttered a moan.

He ran to the edge of a nearby cliff

And glanced at the jagged rocks below.

Desperate, he climbed down a vine

And hung there swinging to and fro.

Looking up, he saw two mice

And had to stifle his fearful cries.

The mice were gnawing on the vine!

His whole life flashed before his eyes.

Then he noticed a strawberry plant.

Holding on as best he could,

He plucked a single berry and ate it.

A berry had never tasted so good!

(3-2-17) By Bob B

*An old tale retold here in verse