230. at seventeen
the moment I rang the doorbell
I thought shit !
what have I done now ?
on a dare –
the sign outside said
“Puppies for sale”
and, nudging me, they dared me
to go on – ask to see her puppies – go on.
I was expecting to see some old crone
but the vision of innocent loveliness
as she came to the door was breathtaking.
I stammered my words redfaced
as she, smiling,
looked over my shoulder
and closing the door said
Come on through –
to the basket,
where she turned & asked breezily
So – what do you think ?
– lifting her sweater –
would you like to stroke my puppies ?