I started Early– Took my Dog –
And visited the Sea -
The Mermaids in the Basement
Came out to look at me -
And Frigates - in the Upper Floor
Extended Hempen Hands -
Presuming Me to be a Mouse -
Aground– upon the Sands –
But no Man moved Me - till the Tide
Went past my simple Shoe -
And past my Apron - and my Belt
And past my Bodice– too –
And made as He would eat me up -
As wholly as a Dew
Upon a Dandelion’s Sleeve -
And then– I started– too -
And He– He followed– close behind -
I felt His Silver Heel
Upon my Ankle - Then my Shoes
Would overflow with Pearl -
Until We met the Solid Town -
No One He seemed to know -
And bowing– with a Mighty look –
At me– The Sea withdrew –