The mouse and the cheese: age 15

By Sally Ann Houston

A mouse in his hole

scared for his soul

after being chased by the cat,

Is tempted and teased

by the smell of cheese

lying outside his hole in a trap.

He is frightened and alone,

starved to the bone,

and should only be concerned with hiding.

Yet journeys away

and does not stay

after much self-debating and fighting.

He is tempted and teased

for the taste of the cheese,

not caring to notice

the trap that is waiting.

The mouse all alone

travels farther from home

although it may mean

the end of cheese tasting.

For the mouse through much time

and the flip of a dime

has chosen the cheese

over the cat. For if he must die

and say goodbye

he would rather be a little more fat.

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About the Author: Sarah B. Royal

Sarah B. Royal’s writing defies convention. Her poetry and prose traverse the boundaries between structure and spontaneity, often weaving together philosophical inquiry, cultural reflection, and personal narrative. With a background in experimental literature, she is known for crafting works that challenge readers to engage intellectually and emotionally.

Her acclaimed palindrome performance play, 777 – A Story of Idol Worship and Murder, showcases her fascination with mirrored storytelling and thematic symmetry. In o x ∞ = ♥: The Poet and The Mathematician, Royal explores the intersection of poetic intuition and mathematical logic, revealing a unique voice that is both analytical and lyrical.

Royal’s collections—such as Lost in the Lost and Found, Haiku For You, Lantern and Tanka Too, and the WoPoLi Chapbook Series—highlight her commitment to neurodivergent expression and poetic experimentation. Whether through childhood verse or contemporary fusion poetry, her work invites readers into a world where language is both a tool and a playground.

Sarah B. Royal continues to expand the possibilities of poetic form, offering readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience. Her writing is a testament to the power of creative risk, intellectual depth, and emotional authenticity.

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