A-hem

The puppy was attracted to
The hem of my long skirt.
His snapping sharp-edged baby teeth
Kept me on the alert.

A smattering of scabs adorned
His owner’s hands and arms.
Restraint in puppies never ranks
Among their many charms.

So once I saw the damage he’d
Inflicted on some skin,
I figured he could nip my hem
So I’d be safe within.