I Regret

It's clear the tiny bundle of energy is
new to life, a puppy whose experience
and exposure to the world has but begun
and its excitement at discovery and
opportunity and exploration while
overwhelming is at the same time beyond
exhilarating, ample motivation for the
little pug to strain at its leash having just
met two  other small dogs whose
presence has animated the puppy with
the goal to to play and be friendly
for in this sharing activity lies the road
to learning, to enjoyment, to pleasure all
of which his instincts guide him to fulfill
on his way to becoming wise in the 
way of dogs comfortable in the presence 
of others, confident that heis one of them
 and pleased that this is what life offers. 
The person accompanying this bud eager
to blossom has fitted him with a cute
outfit against cooler temperatures and
proudly shows off her new acquisition
all the while pulling her unruly charge 
whose leash is attached to its collar.
And I bite my tongue, not to appear rude
by recommending she stop yanking that
collar so roughly of the struggling-to-
play puppy, and acquire a gentle halter to
make her wishes known preferable to
choking the sweet thing, but coward, I
demure, as she pulls, yanks on while
I cringe, shamed to have failed a duty.