a traveller once took a long journey.

on the way, he rests above cliff face
to watch the warm sun set.

he looks around and notices a juicy strawberry
growing on the precipice below.

so the traveller grasps a strong vine
and swings over the edge.
feet dangling into air, it is a fall to death.

intent to pluck and eat the ripe strawberry,
he descends, sun on his back.

as he strains, two mice appear at the cliff edge.
one black. one white.
they start to gnaw at the vine.

the traveller breathes and begins
to pull himself back up.

but then, peering down on him
from the ledge, a tiger.

and claws reach from above.
oh, how sweet.