I continued to walk
along the dusty road
with an open mouth
and a stuffy nose.

Came upon me--
all in a sudden moment--
I recall

a smiling tiger,
with a gaping jaw.

Taken a back
and very startled,
it took some time
to muster up courage,
but then I started:

"Tiger, you know me--
that I know.
Tiger, now we meet,
friends not foe.
Lets proceed,
and together
grab something to eat."

The tiger shocked at my diplomacy,
and bravery,
hesitatingly
responded,
"ok."